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Lakers Shift Focus To 2 ‘Realistic’ Role Players

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The Los Angeles Lakers have continuously struck out in their attempts to add a new superstar throughout the NBA offseason.

First Klay Thompson spurned them. Then Dejounte Murray okayed a trade to the New Orleans Pelicans. Then DeMar DeRozan opted to join the Sacramento Kings.

Aside from drafting Bronny James, who they have one big concern about, the Lakers have accomplished a whole lot of nothing over the past few weeks.

Yes, Brian Windhorst recently revealed that they could be on the verge of acquiring a major superstar – but a lot of pieces have to align for that to actually come to fruition.

In the interim, it appears as though Lakers brass has set its sights on two ‘realistic’ role players.

The first, according to NBA insider Brian Lewis, is Cam Johnson.

“His size (6-foot-8), age and shooting ability combine to make Johnson valuable,” Lewis wrote.

“Only 10 NBA players 6-7 or taller averaged more than his 2.4 made 3-pointers last season. While the Kings, [Orlando] Magic and Lakers are interested, one recent report claimed the [San Antonio] Spurs, [Toronto] Raptors or [Golden State] Warriors could be a ‘dark horse’.”

Another player to watch in this space is Bruce Brown.

“The Lakers and Milwaukee Bucks are two teams that showed interest in Brown last season, sources said, and Los Angeles maintains interest in him this offseason,” NBA insider Brett Siegel reported this week.

That said, the Lakers would have to fight off one other squad if they want to add Brown this summer.

Whether or not they have the assets to get that done remains to be seen.

The next few weeks will be very consequential. L.A. needs to do something.

This team, as presently constructed, cannot legitimately comPete for a championship.

Will the Lakers be able to get either Johnson or Brown before the new season ultimately tips off? An answer one way or the other is coming over the next few weeks.

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