But both things happened in a trade with the Brooklyn Nets that began the process of cleaning out their financial closet to make salary cap room for the kind of players who could create a championship. He was acquired because his $22-million contract expires after next season, giving the Lakers some desperately needed salary cap space. Some thought he was improving, with a 16-point, five-assist season that was one of the best second years in Lakers history. With all this salary cap space cleared, here comes James or Westbrook. A team like that would make the Lakers relevant again and turn Magic Johnson into the prince of this city again.

Source: Los Angeles Times June 21, 2017 04:41 UTC