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Los Angeles Lakers: After trading Clarkson, LA is one step closer to LeBron

By Michael Saenz

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on while there's a break in the action against Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 25: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on while there's a break in the action against Golden State Warriors during an NBA basketball game at ORACLE Arena on December 25, 2017 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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After trading Jordan Clarkson at the NBA trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers are one step closer to landing LeBron James in free agency this summer

In facilitating a trade with them involving Jordan Clarkson, the Cleveland Cavaliers might’ve unintentionally open the door for LeBron James signing with the Los Angeles Lakers this summer.

After moving Clarkson and Larry Nance to the Cavaliers, in exchange for a first-round pick and two expiring contracts (including Isaiah Thomas), the Lakers are now expected (assuming they don’t re-sign Julius Randle) to have two max slots entering free agency during the summer.

In essence, the Lakers could be one step closer to signing LeBron James and Paul George (as he continues to flirt with the city of Los Angeles) in free agency.

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The Lakers have long been connected to LeBron James. However, over the last few months, this possibility has really gained some traction.

LeBron has property in Los Angeles – like every other big star in the NBA – and has his eyes in moving to the entertainment business as he continues to age. And now that the Lakers will have big money to spend during the summer, with LeBron hitting free agency too, it seems like too much sense for it not to happen. Especially considering that the Lakers will have max room for another big fish, too.

That could mean a potential Paul George and LeBron package for the Lakers, which is reportedly what LeBron wanted in Cleveland.

If nothing else, it’s certainly something to think about as we head towards a big summer. Out of all the teams likely to be in contention to sign LeBron James, the Lakers are the only team with enough cap space to sign two max free agents outright.

Must Read: 2018 NBA Trade Deadline: 6 takeaways from a wild deadline day

The summer of LeBron part II is expected to be one heck of a ride, and the Los Angeles Lakers have officially thrown their name into the running.

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