Los Angeles Lakers: 3 LA stars that are unlikely to finish the season with the team

The Los Angeles Lakers managed to pull off a huge move to sign LeBron James last summer, although the team failed to add quality around the superstar during his debut season.

A combination of injuries and underperforming co-stars meant that LeBron’s presence wasn’t enough to ensure a first postseason appearance for more than half a decade, although the 19-20 season is likely to prove different after a strong offseason for the franchise.

While the Lakers have lost much of their much talked about young core, LeBron finally has the second star he craves in Anthony Davis. Meanwhile, LA has also managed to add noteworthy veterans such as DeMarcus Cousins and Danny Green.

Nevertheless, the Lakers have also made some questionable moves during free agency, and an overstacked roster means that some recent additions will struggle to get regular minutes in Frank Vogel's rotation. Due to this, at least a few stars are likely to part from the Lakers before the playoffs begin in April, and here are the three most likely candidates.

#3 JaVale McGee

JaVale McGee made a surprise return to the Los Angeles Lakers

JaVale McGee was offered the opportunity to remain with the Golden State Warriors last season, although the veteran opted to join the Lakers to link up with LeBron James. McGee joined on a veteran's minimum deal, and made an immediate impact, averaging near career highs in both points and rebounds.

However, McGee’s poor defense resurfaced as the season progressed, and the Lakers raised eyebrows by bringing the 31-year-old back on a much larger two-year deal this summer. While another minimum deal may have made sense, McGee’s additional salary could have been used to bring in a much stronger backup point guard.

With DeMarcus Cousins and Anthony Davis also joining, McGee will face much stiffer competition for minutes and the veteran is likely to finish the season away from Los Angeles.

#2 Troy Daniels

Troy Daniels spent the 18-19 season with the Phoenix Suns

Troy Daniels’ move to the Lakers was organized ahead of Kawhi Leonard's decision to join the Clippers, although the franchise subsequently brought back Alex Caruso and Rajon Rondo, while also adding Avery Bradley to their backcourt. This has left the Lakers without an elite guard on the roster, although the team now boasts plenty of depth, and competition will be extremely high.

While Daniels was never likely to start in LA, he will now be competing with an array of role players in the scramble to get minutes from an incredibly crowded bench. Rondo and Avery will find regular minutes due to their experience and skillset, leaving Daniels facing off with Caruso in the battle to find a spot in Vogel's gameplan.

Admittedly, Daniels instantly becomes the Lakers’ most potent threat from beyond the arc, although his poor defense and average ball-handling skills may force the Lakers' hand ahead of the trade deadline.

#1 Kyle Kuzma

Kyle Kuzma is playing for his future in Los Angeles

At first glance, Kyle Kuzma appears set to play a substantial role for the Lakers, with many backing him to become the team's third star this season. However, the forward is coming off a second season which was a huge disappointment when compared to his breakout rookie campaign, and there are serious concerns that the four-year college player has already reached his peak.

Kuzma will start the season as a key member of Vogel’s starting five, although if DeMarcus Cousins returns to form, the 24-year-old will soon find himself as the team's fourth option on offense. His defensive game also remains non-existent, and it is difficult to envision Vogel playing Cousins, James, and Kuzma during clutch stretches.

This could leave the Lakers facing a tough choice, and trading Kuzma would land the team a number of valuable draft picks. Ultimately, the Flint native faces an uphill battle this season, and he could share a similar fate to his former young core that was shipped to New Orleans earlier this summer.