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Ranking the LA Clippers’ top five threats in free agency

By Garrett Chorpenning

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past JaMychal Green #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-105. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 04: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles past JaMychal Green #4 of the Los Angeles Clippers during the second half of a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 04, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. The Los Angeles Clippers defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 113-105. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 05: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 05: Rajon Rondo #9 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives to the basket against Ivica Zubac #40 of the LA Clippers during the first half at Staples Center on April 05, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Yong Teck Lim/Getty Images) /

No. 4: Los Angeles Lakers

Projected cap room: $41.8 million

The Los Angeles Lakers would be a lot higher on our list, especially considering they’re expected to pursue Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard, both of whom are supposedly near the top of the LA Clippers’ list of targets. But with everything that’s happened to the Lakers’ front office since the regular season was winding down to a close, it’s hard to imagine any player willingly choosing to go there instead of the Clippers.

The biggest draw the Lakers can offer is playing with LeBron James, which is admittedly a big one. James has been considered one of the league’s best players ever since he came into it back in 2003, and is arguably the greatest player in NBA history. The chance to play with someone with that kind of reputation is enticing at the very least, and James’ draw will likely attract a few free agents to the Lakers this summer.

However, there isn’t much else the Lakers have to offer outside of playing with James. Their young core has yet to live up to expectations, and could be shipped out at a moment’s notice if the New Orleans Pelicans listen to the Lakers’ trade offers. And in addition to the wildly dysfunctional front office, the Lakers haven’t made the playoffs since the 2012-2013 season — the longest drought in franchise history.

Comparatively, the Clippers have a much better front office, a young core that has already made a playoff appearance, and they’ve made the playoffs in seven of the last eight seasons.

The Lakers have the history, but as it stands, the Clippers are the team to beat in Los Angeles. Fans and players alike understand that, which is why it’ll be a surprise if any of the top free agents choose the Lakers over their “younger brothers”.

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