NBA Rumors: No Trades, Free Agency Recruitment Among Woes Of Next Lakers Coach

The Los Angeles Lakers are busy interviewing Tyronn Lue, Monty Williams and Juwan Howard to fill up the head coaching void. As of this writing, no one seems to be clearly in the lead, but a monkey wrench thrown into talks may change everything.

It seems that the Lakers thrust has set some guidelines for the next head coach. One is that they need to make the most out of NBA Free Agency - meaning no trade will be made in the early goings. This hints that the young stars will remain on board in Hollywood unless a big-time deal calls for them to be included in the package. The Lakers making a big splash in free agency was discussed by Dave McMenamin on "The Sedano Show."

If that is the case, expect the Lakers to go all out on top free agents like Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, Jimmy Butler and Klay Thompson. Of the names, only Irving seems to have a fair chance of being convinced – tied up to the fact that he and LeBron have been in touch.

Anthony Davis, a player who has openly expressed his preference to play in Hollywood, should be included. But the problem here is that the New Orleans Pelicans will not be giving the Lakers any chance of getting the All-Star center, the Silver Screen and Roll reported.

The Lakers do have about $38 million in the budget, an amount that should be more than enough to lure at least one big NBA star. However, there are some constraints to address. One of them includes players agreeing to play alongside James – and most likely ending up as sidekicks.

This is one reason why Leonard is unlikely to sign with the Lakers unless he has a change of heart. Irving too seems like a question mark unless James is able to talk reason with Uncle Drew. Kevin Durant has been linked to the New York Knicks although he could always stay put in Golden State. Durant’s scenario holds true for Klay Thompson.

With these conditions, the next head coach may be in for a tough road ahead. Striking it big in NBA Free Agency is possible although the Lakers are not exactly looking that hot right now. Most free agents want to join a winning team over a rebuilding one. The Lakers do have James but it remains that the three-time MVP needs credible backing to navigate Los Angeles back to its winning ways.