NBA Trade Rumours: 3 veterans who will exit the Los Angeles Lakers this summer

Entering the 18/19 season, the Los Angeles Lakers were embarking on an exciting new era with plenty of promise. The team had just signed superstar free-agent LeBron James, and it was also widely believed that the Lakers possessed one of basketball's best young crops of talent.

Nevertheless, a combination of poor form and injury issues have derailed Los Angeles' new era and due to a miserable 2019, the Lakers are set to once again miss out on the playoffs. Due to this, big changes in personnel are expected this summer and here we take a look at three veterans likely to depart the organisation:

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#3 JaVale McGee

McGee has struggled since the turn of the year

JaVale McGee played an important role in the Golden State Warriors' successive Championship winning seasons, including starting the final three games of the 2018 NBA Finals. James was on the losing team in both Finals, and shortly after his arrival in LA, the superstar instructed his new team to sign the veteran.

During the early part of the season, McGee struck up a notable partnership with James, and he quickly established himself as a vital part of Luke Walton's team. The Lakers decision to bring in McGee on a one-year veteran's deal was also applauded as one of the summer's biggest steals, however, his form has declined since he missed time with a respiratory infection.

Since the turn of the year, McGee has struggled to regain his place in Luke Walton's starting five, and the former Warriors man is averaging just 15 minutes per game over his team's last ten contests. Ultimately, McGee will probably be frustrated with his current situation, and the veteran may seek a summer return to the Warriors.

#2 Lance Stephenson

Lance Stephenson has struggled to get regular minutes in the Lakers rotation

While there were a number of surprise additions to the Lakers roster last summer, none were more eye-opening than the acquisition of Lance Stephenson. Over the last few years, the former Pacers man had become notorious for his on-court clashes with players such as James and Lance linking up with the King in Los Angeles always seemed like a bad fit.

Stephenson has so far managed to avoid any controversy, and he has also performed well, averaging 7.2 points while shooting 38% from beyond the arc. However, the 28-year-old has struggled to find regular opportunities, playing just 15.6 minutes per-game and due to the Lakers falling out of playoff contention, he is unlikely to feature again this season.

Stephenson's $4.5million deal will expire in the summer, and unless Luke Walton moves on, the veteran looks set to be on the lookout for a new team

#1 Rajon Rondo

Rajon Rondo signed for the Los Angeles Lakers one a 12-month deal

Los Angeles' 18/19 roster includes a number of notable veterans, although only Rajon Rondo is being paid anywhere near an All-Star level salary. The 33-year-old last summer agreed to sign a one-year, $9million contract, and despite his status as one of the Lakers' highest earners, the veteran has failed to dislodge Lonzo Ball as the team's first-choice point guard.

Rondo has started much of 2019 due to Lonzo being sidelined through injury, although the former Celtics man has been unable to get the Lakers' playoff push back on track. He is currently shooting just 41% from the field, and while Rondo has been among the Lakers' most prolific creators, he continues be a liability on the defensive end.

Rondo will once again drop out of the team's lineup upon Ball's return, and with the Lakers also looking to add another point guard in free agency, there appears to be no future for the veteran in LA.