The 2018-19 NBA season is off with several teams already showing basketball fans on what to expect. The Boston Celtics and the Golden State Warriors, favorites in their respective conferences hacked out wins as expected. However, both teams have a long way to go in their quest for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

In the Western Conference, the Warriors started their quest on a high note, defeating a Russell Westbrook-less Oklahoma City Thunder, 108-100. Their opening day win is something although most know that things could turn around as the season progresses. Aside from the Thunder, there are the Houston Rockets who also stand in the way.

Speaking of the Western Conference, one team NBA fans want to see is the Los Angeles Lakers. With LeBron James at the helm, the Silver Screen And Roll believes that the Lakers do have enough to be a playoff team in 2018-19. However, it becomes a different story when one talks about the NBA title. Apparently, the young guys and some of the vets signed may not be enough to immediately reap success for the purple and gold.

Kawhi Leonard and Jimmy Butler are two names being tied to the Lakers although that may be it. According to the Ringer, both players are unlikely to join LeBron James with both unlikely to play second fiddle. Of course, there are several other names available like Kevin Durant or even Kyrie Irving. But the point here is that no one wants to play behind James and for any team where the King may be in.

That said, the Lakers are left in a conundrum. If the big name all-stars are hard to come by, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka may have to lower their targets and take aim at near-all star players. Some names they could consider include Kemba Walker or even Khris Middleton.

But whoever the Lakers target, it will depend on what the team will need. The Lakers recently exercised their options for Kyle Kuzma, Brandon Ingram, Josh Hart, and Lonzo Ball and this development could be approached in different ways.

The Lakers are expected to assess the mix alongside James and figure out who to retain and who to let go. For the ones who underperform, they are likely to be dealt via trade – either separately or part of a big mix to snag a certified all-star.

Any or all of the four could come in handy for any NBA team looking to invest and develop young stars. This could go down by the February NBA trade deadline or by next summer, adding more spice in what is expected to be a drama-filled 2019 offseason.