Re-ranking the LA Clippers’ top free agent threats before June 30

No. 2: Los Angeles Lakers

Projected cap room: $32 million

Like we said earlier, a lot has changed since the last time we took a look at the LA Clippers’ biggest threats in free agency. At the time of the last article, Anthony Davis was a New Orleans Pelican and the direction of the Los Angeles Lakers was unknown.

Now, the tables have turned.

With Davis joining LeBron James, the Lakers instantly have the best frontcourt pairing in basketball. Both are top-five talents in the league today, and once James returns fully healthy next season, he should be back to his usual self. That’s very dangerous.

In addition to that, the Lakers made a move on Thursday that could land them the third max-level star that they’ve been desperate to add. By shipping out Mo Wagner, Jemerrio Jones and Isaac Bonga to the Washington Wizards, the Lakers were able to clear $32 million in cap room, with a little help from Davis as well.

Of course, the Lakers plan to pursue Kawhi Leonard, which could spell trouble for the Clippers.

One of the Clippers’ biggest draws for Leonard is the weather that Los Angeles has to offer, and since they were the only team that could offer that, it was exclusive to the Clippers. Now, the Lakers can offer the same thing.

The Clippers still have the edge in terms of depth and fit — the Lakers, if they sign a third star, could struggle to fill out the bench with quality players and would not be able to offer Leonard the ability to run the team on his own. Rather, he’d likely be a second or third wheel to James and Davis, and it’s hard to imagine that’s what a player who just led the Toronto Raptors to an NBA title wants

Still though, the Lakers are absolutely a threat to the Clippers — and much more of one than they were not even a month ago.