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#3 Wait for 2019
This goes hand-in-hand with the idea of giving Cousins a one-year deal. Cousins would be the fourth player signed to a one-year deal in that scenario, putting them in a prime position to be a big player in next year's free agency when those four contracts come off the books.
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It would also make them strong competitors next season when he returns from injury and give them the chance to re-sign Cousins using bird rights after signing Leonard as an unrestricted free agent.
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Leonard will almost certainly sign next year if he doesn't play in LA this year; Klay Thompson and Kemba Walker headline the players due to be out of contract at the end of next year as other free agent possibilities.
Waiting for 2019 might just be the smartest move. The organization has already satisfied fans by winning the sweepstakes for the best player in the world; they will almost definitely be back to the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
They now face the pressure of doing what Cleveland couldn't and giving him a supporting cast, but they don't need to do it with another superstar immediately. He arguably has more support already than he did last season, albeit in a superior conference.
They will be competitive with the current roster after landing the other three free agents and still having all of their young assets, at least enough to keep Leonard on track to join next off-season while retaining a slew of young stars.
With all that in mind, even if Leonard is a 99% lock to join the Lakers next year, they still need to go hard at him now in case he changes his mind and decides to try again with the Spurs.
After seeing George return to OKC, San Antonio have to have some renewed confidence in retaining their star while rival clubs have to believe they can convince him to stay if they trade for him.
What do you think about the trades made by the Lakers? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!
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