2024 saw two all-stars for the Los Angeles Lakers: LeBron James and Anthony Davis, who both had fantastic (and healthy) seasons. But even with these two all-stars, the team is currently outside of the Western Conference playoff picture.
The Lakers cannot make any significant roster improvements at this time, so if they hope to have any chance of contending for a championship, they must dig in and mount a strong run similar to what it accomplished the previous year.
Even so, the NBA cycle will not stop, and the Lakers will try to sign the next big star who can either help LeBron and AD win a championship or even step in as LeBron’s replacement should he decide to leave.
Fortunately, the Lakers have more star power than any other team in the league, and in the not too distant future, a number of the team’s all-stars from 2024 might visit Los Angeles.
2024 all-stars that could soon be Lakers:
Shall we begin with the pipe dream? Jayson Tatum would be the player further down the line and possibly the least likely to wear purple and gold among the players on this list. Tatum is the clear favorite to stay in Boston and earn as much as possible as a max contract player, but Tatum is the one player who could sign a free agent contract with the Lakers.
Tatum, a self-described Lakers fan, was so enamored of Kobe Bryant that he agreed to participate in an NBA 75 celebration photo shoot dressed in purple and gold. He may not necessarily sign with the Lakers merely because he is a fan; there are other red flags.
With Tatum and Anthony Davis, the Lakers would have a similar issue, but Tatum would at least have a better teammate in Davis. Unless LeBron signs a new contract this offseason, the Lakers would have the salary-cap space and the beloved dynamic to build on.
Though it is still conceivable, it is less likely than the other two players on this list (who would be traded for).
