Magic Johnson talks about Kobe Bryant during NBA All-Star Game 2016. (Photo : Getty Images/Elsa)
The Los Angeles Lakers are back on the drawing board as they will try to figure out how they can improve their line-up fast. Perhaps, a little endorsement from Laker legend Magic Johnson may help the team to land a superstar free agent once the off-season kicks in.
With Kobe Bryant finally playing his last game as a Laker, the team is now transitioning to a new era. The first major change they made is firing Byron Scott and replacing him with Golden State Warriors' assistant coach, Luke Walton. The former Laker accepted the offer as he sees great potential in their young core of D'Angelo Russell, Jordan Clarkson, Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr., ESPN reported.
After finishing 17-65 this season, help is definitely needed by the team. Hence, legendary point guard Magic Johnson wants big name stars such as Kevin Durant, LeBron James and/or DeMar Derozan to consider signing with the team.
Johnson said in a tweet that the team should do their best to lure Durant to LA and he should be the priority among the three but he may be the hardest to convince as well. Earlier this season, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith said in the TV program "First Take" that Durant was inclined to sign with LA once he becomes a free agent. However, the report was immediately debunked by Durant by stating he is not interested to sign with the team plus calling Smith a liar, SB Nation reported.
Laker Nation: The first free agent the Lakers should go after is Kevin Durant.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 2, 2016
Johnson's next tweet addressed James next and Johnson said the management should reach out to The King's agent, Rich Paul to inquire for his services. James is set to be an unrestricted free agent and it would be interesting to see if he bolts out if Cavs fail to win it all.
Laker Nation: The Lakers should call LeBron James agent. We know he's going stay in CLE but they should go after him just in case he leaves. — Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) May 2, 2016
Lastly, Johnson said DeRozan will be a good acquisition should they miss on James and Durant. However, the Toronto Raptors All-Star just won his first playoff series with the Raptors and he said earlier this season that his loyalty belongs to the team.
Here is ESPN's Stephen A. Smith's take on Johnson's remarks.
