3 stars the Lakers could realistically acquire this offseason
By John Buhler
The Los Angeles Lakers are in dire need of adding a third star during the 2021 NBA offseason.
After winning the 2020 NBA Finals in the Orlando bubble, the Los Angeles Lakers fell out in the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs only a postseason later.
A shortened offseason finally caught up to the Lakers, as its two star players in LeBron James and Anthony Davis dealt with a myriad of injuries throughout. While James was fine come playoff time, Davis was not. Davis’ health issues largely contributed to the Lakers falling to the division rival Phoenix Suns in six games. From the looks of it, they need to go add another star this offseason.
Here are three star players who could be readily available for the Lakers to acquire this summer.
Los Angeles Lakers: 3 stars they could realistically acquire this offseason
Kemba Walker. player. PG. Oklahoma City Thunder. 149. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. 3
It’s not like the Oklahoma City Thunder plan to hang onto Kemba Walker anyway
After two years with the Boston Celtics, a regime change led to Kemba Walker being dealt to the rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder for former Celtics big man Al Horford. Walker had been a perennial All-Star upon arriving in Boston by way of the Charlotte Hornets, but he quickly fell out of favor on a playoff team that really wasn’t all that good. Walker looks to be on the move again.
Since the Celtics were probably not going to trade Walker to the rival Lakers, him now being on the Thunder certainly makes things more interesting. We know that he can take over a game as the primary ball handler from his days in Charlotte, as well as his legendary college career at UConn. The only problem is he played in 99 regular-season games for the Celtics over the last two years.
Walker will be entering his age-31 season out of UConn. This will be his 11th NBA season as well. While the Lakers do present him with the best shot of winning an NBA Finals to date, we have to wonder how much tread is left on the tires. If he can play up to lofty expectations, he can be the Lakers’ No. 3 star firmly behind James and Davis. If not, the Lakers could be in a world of trouble.
Let’s also not overlook the Thunder having a handful of other suitors for their coveted trade asset.