How LeBron James Can Win Titles With The Lakers: Cowherd Explains

The Los Angeles Lakers should focus on signing shooters to complement LeBron James rather than looking for star names during the 2019 free agency, according to Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd.

The Lakers landed the biggest catch of all time when they signed James, who was an unrestricted free agent, on a four-year deal this summer in the hopes of ending their five-year playoff drought.

They were expected to land another big name player – San Antonio Spurs’ Kawhi Leonard – but refused to trade one of their young prospects to land the two-time defensive player of the year. He was later traded to the Toronto Raptors.

The Lakers do have cap space to sign a big player in free agency next summer and the likes of Leonard and Kevin Durant will become available. They have been constantly linked with the duo in recent months, especially the latter, owing to his close friendship with James.

Durant is almost certain to enter free agency in 2019 and many believe he will leave the Golden State Warriors, who are favored to win their third straight NBA championship in 2019. Leonard, who will be a free agent, continues to impress with the Raptors but is yet to commit his long-term future to his new employers.

Cowherd believes the Lakers are wasting their time going after the star names and believes they should instead look at hiring the best shooters in the league. Klay Thompson will also be a free agent next summer and there’s not many better than him when it comes to shooting.

But it very unlikely he will leave the Warriors and therefore, the NBA expert believes the Lakers should go after Bradley Beal, who has been a part of many trade conversations in recent weeks.

“Give LeBron [James] the ball, this is what he does, and surround him with shooters,” Cowherd said on the Herd", as transcribed by the Express.

“I don’t want to hear about great athletes, Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard - who I think is going to be a Clipper over a Laker,” he explained. “I really do, or so my sources tell me.”

“But here’s the thing. Bradley Beal, great kid, committed to basketball, 34inch waist, still young. Bradley Beal is the best shooter on the market - a guaranteed player tomorrow. You are not getting Klay Thompson. Nobody is talking about the possibility. The Lakers are good but they have no identity. LeBron wins titles when the team is LeBron and shooters,” he said.

Beal, who plays for the Washington Wizards, has impressed this season and is said to be available if any interested franchises make the right offer. It is believed the Lakers will have to part with young prospect Brandon Ingram at the minimum to land the point guard.