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Following their resounding success in the Orlando bubble, the LA Lakers will look for a repeat in 2021. While LeBron James and the crew will be among the favorites to win the title, NBA trade rumors have indicated that other teams could look to upgrade their rosters in the off-season to provide the Lakers with tougher competition next season.
In this article, we'll take a look at five of the most important decisions the LA Lakers need to make to maintain their edge over other teams.
5 key decisions the LA Lakers should make in the off-season:
LA Lakers will have a busy off-season as more than half of their players are eligible to enter the 2020 free agency.
While the LA Lakers may look to bring some of these players back, NBA trade rumors have indicated that the franchise may also be interested in adding another star player.
On that note, let us take a look at five off-season decisions that could shape the LA Lakers' fortunes next season:
#1 Offer Anthony Davis a 5-year max contract
Retaining Anthony Davis in its roster will be the biggest priority for the LA Lakers in the off-season. Davis was the perfect partner for LeBron James last season, with the 27-year-old averaging 26.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
While Davis has already expressed his desire to re-sign with the LA Lakers, the terms of his contract are still unknown. Should the seven-time All-Star agree to it, the management could offer him a 5-year max contract to secure the franchise's future.
#2 Consider trading away Danny Green
Danny Green signed a 2-year $30 million contract with the LA Lakers in 2019 and is the third-costliest player on the team's roster after LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, Green's shooting was inconsistent throughout the season, and his numbers dipped compared to that of his previous season with the Toronto Raptors.
While it could be difficult to find a suitable trade partner to move the 3-time champion in the off-season, NBA trade rumors suggest that a package involving Danny Green and Kyle Kuzma might lure a few teams in the league.
Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: 5 players unlikely to be back with the Sacramento Kings for the 2020-21 season.
#3 Re-sign Rajon Rondo in the free agency
After a lackluster regular season, Rajon Rondo rejuvenated himself in the 2020 NBA playoffs. The veteran played a key role in the LA Lakers' championship run and helped LeBron James by taking over the playmaking duties.
Though Rajon Rondo is no longer in his prime, his experience and leadership will be a crucial factor in the LA Lakers' bench. With Rondo now a free agent, the 2020 champions should look to re-sign him for another short-term contract.
#4 Trade for a backup point guard
LeBron James led the league in assists last season and was undoubtedly the best playmaker in the NBA.
While James has the ability to continue playing the point forward position, he will be 36 years old next season, and the LA Lakers should look to take some pressure off his shoulders.
NBA trade rumors in this regard indicate that guards like Chris Paul, Derrick Rose and Bradley Beal are on the LA Lakers' radar. Though its cap space situation will make things complicated, the LA Lakers should go all-in if an opportunity to sign a third star arises in the off-season.
#5 Re-sign Dwight Howard
LA Lakers gambled when they signed Dwight Howard on a one-year minimum contract in 2019. But the 34-year-old more than delivered his money's worth during the 2020 NBA playoffs and was one of the key reasons for the success of the Purple and Gold brigade.
His physical presence in defense was crucial against guys like Nikola Jokic and Bam Adebayo in the playoffs. Given Anthony Davis' inclination to play at power forward, the Lakers could use Howard in the paint to match up against other bigs in the opponent team.
Considering the same, the LA Lakers should look to re-sign Dwight Howard for at least one more year.
Guess the Lakers players!
