So -- if we stretch Deng and let Randle go, we could have around $70 million in cap space -- enough to sign those two guys who we don't even need to name.
Plan B?
The second half belonged to Randle. In March, he averaged 22.3 points and 9.9 rebounds per game while the team was mired in injuries. That is who Randle is and will continue to be moving forward, a 20-10 player who wills himself towards production at the rim -- you don't throw a few years of development out the door just to see a team like the Mavericks reap the rewards. Pay him now and celebrate later.
Ah, Isaiah Thomas. What are we going to do with you?
Seriously. There is absolutely no certainty in the building as it pertains to a player who was revered just a year ago. Ongoing hip issues and a recent surgery means a player who would have assuredly demanded max money may very well settle for a one-year deal for a sizable discount—something south of $10 million. He's young enough to afford spending one more season proving to potential trade-deadline destinations that a) he's a team player and b) that he's healthy enough to be reconsidered as a starter and a bonafide star in the league. Will he accept a bench role, though? Does he have a choice at this point?
It will be hard to wiggle KCP into the mix if the Lakers land a major free agent. The Pistons reportedly offered him $80 million over five years last summer while the Lakers sealed the deal on a one-year contract for $18 million. He's a great fit on this team and shot over 42% from 3 -- something the Lakers definitely need. He'll likely want a multi-year contract, however -- which may not be possible if those max-level all-stars are brought in.
DeMarcus Cousins, Jabari Parker and Nerlens Noel are names that have been linked to the Lakers as well, but there are both up- and down-sides to all those possibilities. Hanging onto Randle and taking advantage of his growth seems to be the best bet for now.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/gabezaldiv ... ul-george/