Many NBA experts have predicted the Los Angeles Lakers are going after all the big names next summer during free agency. Highlighted by LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki, the 2014 class holds plenty of talent. So after losing out on several players this season, will the Lakers win free agency next summer?
Los Angeles general manager Mitch Kupchak told Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio that he does not believe the Lakers will win free agency next summer. "I don't know if we'll get a star player," Kupchak told the radio host. NBA sources confirm that the Lakers do not believe James will be an option for them next summer, despite the cry from fans to pair up the MVP with Kobe Bryant.
As of now, the Lakers are predicted to finish 12th in the Western Conference following the Dwight Howard stint. Lakers fans are simply holding out knowing that 2014 is their year. Next season's draft is stocked with talent. Pairing that with the free agency market and the Lakers should be all set, right?
ESPNLosAngeles.com details an article as to why the team is years away from getting back to the top. The first issue rests in the available cap space. With Bryant's contract still on the pay roll, the Lakers may not be able to offer anyone a max contract. The only way the team could make things worse is if Bryant takes a pay cut, something he has told people not to count on. His $30 million salary is pretty binding for the Lakers. Not to mention, Steve Nash is guaranteed through 2014, leaving the team with about $15 million to spend.
The biggest name on the Lakers' wish list is Anthony. His relationship with New York is rocky at best and while he has been saying he plans on remaining a Knick, Anthony is well-aware that he needs another super star to win a championship. Pairing Anthony and Bryant could possibly work in Los Angeles or it could back fire. Remember Anthony and Mike D'Antoni working together? That experiment failed.
The speculation regarding the summer of 2014 will not slow down even when the season begins. The big stars will continue to be questioned about their upcoming future plans. While the Lakers might not be targets James now, anything can happen.