Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal 

One player who’s noticeably absent from this package is D’Angelo Russell. 

That’s because he’s due to hit unrestricted free agency this summer. Let’s assume the Lakers can retain him. They’d be a dangerous team following this deal if they did. 

Russell, James, LaVine, and Anthony Davis would make up quite the quartet. It would hardly matter who the fifth Lakers starter was – this team would be in contention for the NBA title. 

Obviously, that’s the appeal here. The Lakers need to make use of LeBron’s prime while he’s still in it. Adding top-shelf talent, even at the expense of their future, has always been the way to do it. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

If it all goes south, they’ll have to hope their exceptionalism comes into play once more.