Yet, the Lakers are expected to make major additions to the roster in the coming months, with the team having around $35 million available in cap space. This gives the Lakers the room to sign an All-Star free agent to a max-contract, and here are three of the stars being linked with a move to Los Angeles.
#3 Kyrie Irving
The Boston Celtics are on the verge of being eliminated from the 2019 postseason, and it appears more likely than ever that Kyrie Irving will leave the team this summer. The point guard has received much criticism for his recent performances, and some members of the Celtics locker room are believed to have been irked by his recent negative comments.
Irving has been linked with a move to both the Nets and Knicks in free agency, although Eric Pincus of Bleacher Reports believes that the Lakers could still secure his long-term future:
Over the course of the regular season, Irving averaged 23.8 points, 6.9 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.
#2 Jimmy Butler
Despite the doubts of some executives around the NBA, Jimmy Butler has continued to perform at an All-Star level during his six months in Philadelphia. The 29-year-old averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game over 55 regular season games and the Sixers are believed to be keen to tie him to a new long term deal this summer.
However, according to Howard Beck of Bleacher Report, Butler is considering committing his future to the Lakers:
Butler has continued to perform well in the playoffs, although Philadelphia look set for an early exit at the hands of the Toronto Raptors. Butler will turn 30 this summer, and many view this as his final chance to secure a max deal.
#1 Kemba Walker
For the third time in a row, Kemba Walker is entering the offseason following the best campaign of his career. However, this season is different as Walker is entering free agency, and many around the league view Walker as a potential game changer.
With the Lakers known to be looking to add a new point guard this summer, Gabe Zaldivar of Forbes is reporting that Walker remains a strong contender:
During an excellent individual season, Walker averaged 25.6 points, 5.9 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game, however, his efforts were not enough to secure a playoff berth for the Hornets.
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