NBA News Roundup, April 4th, 2019: Lakers unlikely to lure second All-Star, college star declares for NBA Draft and more

After another year of exciting action, the 2018/19 NBA season is quickly coming to a close. The playoffs are set to begin in less than two weeks' time, with a number of the league's strugglers already turning their attention towards the postseason.

Due to this, there are a number of stories emerging around the NBA, and here is all the latest news that you need to know for April 4th.

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The Lakers face a battle to lure a second All-Star

The Lakers are pursuing a second All-Star

After failing to make the postseason for a sixth consecutive season, the Los Angeles Lakers are desperate to add a second All-Star alongside LeBron James this summer. If the Lakers offload the likes of Rajon Rondo and Lance Stephenson, the team will have $35 million in cap room this offseason, easily enough to sign at least one All-Star.

Due to the presence of LeBron and the prestige of the franchise, the Lakers organization expect to be major players this summer, although Howard Beck of Bleacher Report suggests that the team will find it difficult to land a second star:

There's another L.A. team, armed with even more salary-cap room, a strong roster and all the same sunshine. There's a New York team, teeming with history and blessed with a famous arena, with room to sign two superstars. And there's a vibrant young team in Brooklyn, also poised to make a free-agent splash.

This summer's free agent pool is perhaps the best in NBA history, with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, DeMarcus Cousins, and Kawhi Leonard all hitting the market.

Nevertheless, if the Lakers ultimately miss out on one of their prime targets, they may have to turn their attention to a lesser star such as Kemba Walker, Khris Middleton or Nikola Vucevic.

Shaquille O'Neal praises Giannis Antetokounmpo

Houston Rockets v Milwaukee Bucks

Shaquille O'Neal is widely regarded as one of the best players to have graced the NBA, and Shaq's career is especially notable for how he dominated the league at such a young age. In 1993, Shaq was named as the first rookie All-Star since Michael Jordan, and by 24, Shaq had led the league in points, played in the NBA Finals, and racked up four All-Star appearances.

However, while appearing on 'The Big Podcast', O'Neal expressed his belief that Giannis Antetokounmpo is a better player than he was at age 24:

He's earned my respect, and he deserves it, so I'm giving it to him. To answer all the critics' questions, you're right, the kid was better than me at 24.

The Greek Freak has, this season, led the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA's best record, along the way averaging 27.4 points, 12.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. The forward is also one of the frontrunners for the 2019 MVP award.

Ja Morant declares for the NBA draft

Murray State v Florida State

Ja Morant of Murray State has made himself eligible for the 2019 NBA draft following an incredible break out season. Despite playing for a little known college, the point guard's performances and highlight reels have been the talk of the internet, and Morant also impressed during his appearances during March Madness.

During Murray State's victory over Marquette, Morant recorded 17 points, 16 assists, and 11 rebounds, as he became the first player to record a triple-double since Draymond Green back in 2012.

After a mixed freshman season, Morant was not even listed on 2019 mock drafts, however, after finishing his second season in college averaging 24.5 points and 10 assists, Morant is projected to be a top-three pick in June. He could even go as high as No. 2, although Zion Williamson is still expected to be the first player selected.