DETROIT, MI – APRIL 7 : Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots a free throw during the game against the Detroit Pistons on April 7, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Sevald/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers appear set on trying to build a super team around LeBron James, swinging a deal for Anthony Davis today. Reports are that their next target for the squad is Kemba Walker.
The Western Conference is extremely wide open following the big injuries to Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson, who could miss big chunks of next season even if they stay in Golden State. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking to try and seize an opportunity to build a contender, completing a big trade with the New Orleans Pelicans to land star forward Anthony Davis.
The pairing of Davis and James will give the Lakers two stars, but LeBron has a history of forming terrific trios (see the Big 3 era with Miami and his team-up with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love in Cleveland). Who, then, are the Lakers looking at to become the third member of their new super team?
NBA Insider Marc Stein is hearing that it will be Hornets’ point guard Kemba Walker.
Walker, who averaged 25.5 points per game with the Hornets last season, appears committed to staying in Charlotte, indicating recently that he was willing to take less than the Super Max to help add more talent around him. That is certainly a noble gesture from Walker, but even if he takes less money the Hornets’ cap situation will make it tough for them to put a better roster around him for the next couple of years.
This could make an offer from the Lakers intriguing for Walker, who could form a lethal pick-and-roll combination with Davis in Los Angeles. Combining that element with LeBron’s ability to drive and dish to open shooters could make the Lakers’ offense a very difficult unit to defend going forward.
The Lakers would still have work to do filling out the edges of their roster, but if they can convince Kemba Walker to leave Charlotte for Los Angeles they would have a compelling case to be the West’s best.