Los Angeles Lakers: Kemba Walker might be the only realistic option this summer
The Los Angeles Lakers have high hopes heading into the summer of 2019 but, despite all the big names hitting the open market, Kemba Walker might be the only realistic option
Entering the summer of 2019, there’s no question that the Los Angeles Lakers are the team that has the most to lose over the next few months. After missing out on Anthony Davis at the NBA Trade Deadline – whether you believed they had a real chance at him or not – and failing to qualify for the playoffs this season, the Lakers will be one of the teams that everyone will be monitoring during the off-season.
Los Angeles is set to have money to spend and perhaps one of the best selling points of all the teams with salary cap space – the presence of LeBron James on the roster.
A few of the big names that are set to hit the open market this summer: Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving, Klay Thompson, Jimmy Butler and Kemba Walker. There’s a chance that there could be a few other big names available via trade, but those variables are really difficult to predict.
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With that said, of the big-name free agents that are available, which of them are most likely to sign with the Lakers? Well, that’s difficult to predict in March. However, from the information that we have available, we can make some informed predictions.
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi, from all the reports, isn’t interesting in joining LeBron James and joining the Lakers this summer. I think it’s safe to say that we can cross Kawhi off the Lakers’ potential signees.
Kevin Durant
Durant is an interesting player to keep an eye on, but from everything we know about him I think it’s safe to say that he wouldn’t join LeBron on the Lakers. He seems like a player that wants to make his own waves, and leaving the Warriors to ride the tail of LeBron wouldn’t fall in line with what he should do next. Then again, Durant never really does what he should do.
Kyrie Irving
Despite all the noise surrounding Kyrie’s potential departure this summer, I still would be extremely surprised if he didn’t re-sign with the Celtics. But even if he did, I don’t think the Lakers would be high on his list. But, you never know.
Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler
While both Klay Thompson and Jimmy Butler are technically set to hit the open market this summer, these are also both players that will likely re-sign with their current teams, the Warriors and the Sixers, respectively. It would be a big surprise if either one of these players made a move elsewhere.
Kemba Walker
After those five big names, there is a significant drop-off from the next player on this list. And that’s Kemba Walker. Even though there’s a drop-off, Kemba is not slouch either. He’s having a career year this season and is in the midst of his prime.
Walker will be coming off a year where he averaged 25 points, six assists and four rebounds per game. He’s carrying the Hornets this season, and would be a perfect fit for the Lakers who are in desperate need for a second-scoring option.
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He’s potentially the only other big name that would be open to joining the Lakers, and could be the ideal target for Los Angeles. Forget the Kawhi’s and KD’s of the world, the Los Angeles Lakers should be targeting Kemba Walker this summer.