Free agency has mostly dried up, but there are still players worth an eyeball or two. De'Anthony Melton is a dynamic defender when healthy. Gary Payton II is an on-ball pest with championship experience. Amir Coffey isn't a lockdown defender, but he offers versatility and usually knows where to be.

The latest Lakers rumors indicate that Los Angeles is about to be dealt a blow by the Warriors when it comes to landing a five-time All-Star.

The Los Angeles Lakers have had some good news and bad news this offseason. Most notably, they signed Deandre Ayton as their starting center for eight million next season, but also lost Dorian Finney-Smith to the Houston Rockets.

That baton was passed as soon as L.A. finalized the trade that sent out James' handpicked sidekick, Anthony Davis, to acquire Luka Dončić, a 26-year-old megastar more than capable of piloting the Purple and Gold well past the LeBron era.

Apr 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) brings the ball up court against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first half in game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LeBron James’ future with the Lakers grows uncertain as NBA free agency unfolds. With trade rumors swirling, is the King truly 'stuck' in LA?