Adrian Wojnarowski: “Lakers Are Not Frontrunners for Any Big Free Agent”

Adrian Wojnarowski is one of the best insiders in the NBA ever. What this analyst predicts is often true, and so far his logistic has always been a reliable source of information.

Yesterday he spoke about the possibilities of seeing some big star in Lakers’ jersey. And the purple and gold fans aren’t feeling ok after that.

During an NBA draft mock, in which he went through all the picks, when it was time for the Lakers’ choice, Wojnarowski said something pretty disturbing for all the fans of the LA-based franchise.

“…right now, they are not a frontrunner or even really a major consideration among any of the elite free agents.”

When Lakers’ pick came up, Woj stated that if the organization hasn’t used it in some kind of trade up to that point, it means that they are in big trouble. He explained why is that.

“Because it means that they didn’t get the AD trade done.”

To simplify things. According to Wojnarowski, the Lakers are not attractive to either of the big free-agent names right now. Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler, or Kawhi Leonard, are not interested in playing for the purple and gold.

ESPN’s Woj – “If the #Lakers are drafting at No. 4 on draft night, they're in trouble because that means they didn't make an Anthony Davis trade done… Right now, they are not a frontrunner or even really a major consideration among any of the elite free agents.” #Pelicans pic.twitter.com/qVmbjs54sU

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 12, 2019

He believes that the only way the franchise could get a major superstar is to make a trade. And by that, he means to trade for AD, who is supposedly willing to play with LeBron. Other guys are not.

So if the Lakers go out and make a pick on the draft night, it means that all the talks about AD are over, and they failed to complete the deal.

As we all know, the LAL are desperate to land some big name to play alongside LeBron, whose time in California is running out. With 34 years of age, he can’t afford to spend another season on making the team or waiting for some players to develop.

“This is an organization that is in a win now mode, with LeBron James,” said Woj.

The young core of the Lakers’ players is not up to the task of delivering proper support for LBJ, who didn’t get the slightest of help during the season. In times when youngsters needed to step up, they often disappointed with the performances.

Also, the environment in the organization wasn’t very healthy, with some of the people fighting for power and decision-making positions. It is why Magic decided to step down. His words after the resignation revealed many things. Jeanie Buss and her choices were sometimes pretty odd, and all this created a sort of a wall of negative energy around the Lakers.

David Griffin is starting to provide teams with a “framework” of a package he wants for AD, including “multi-team scenarios,” per @WojESPN

Suitors:
– Lakers
– Knicks
– Clippers
– Nets pic.twitter.com/jU33omOsMj

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) June 10, 2019

It is possible that because of that, neither of those big names mentioned above isn’t willing to come to the City of Angles. Plus, nobody wants to be in the shadow of LeBron James. Why would Kawhi or KD land in LA if they can have their own teams.

That leaves only Davis as Lakers’ target in this free agency. But the Pelicans’ aren’t willing to let him go, and they already showed that during the season. That is, they aren’t willing to trade him to LA, because of all the tampering and disrespectful behavior the big franchise showed in the past.

And now, the Pelicans are in the position to determine terms of trade and to dictate the negotiations. The table has been turned.

All in all, the situation is not very bright for the Lakers, who are ahead of their crucial summer, which will define LeBron’s time in LA. It is hard to believe that something dramatically changes in during the 2020 free agency.

We’ll see what happens.