Lakers Left Red-Faced! Paul, Valanciunas, and Murray Snatched Away; James’s Pay Cut for Reinforcements Becomes a Joke

On July 1st, the NBA free agency period began. The latest signing news reveals that Chris Paul has signed a one-year, $11 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs, while Jonas Valanciunas has agreed to a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards. Meanwhile, the Lakers, who have only managed to re-sign Christie for four years at $32 million, have seen all their desired targets either snatched away or sign with other teams.

Paul was previously linked closely to the Lakers, given his friendship with LeBron James and his camaraderie with JJ Redick. However, he ultimately decided to join the Spurs, accepting an $11 million contract that the Lakers were unlikely to match.

Valanciunas was also on the Lakers’ radar. There were reports that James was willing to take a pay cut to bring in a player like him. Nevertheless, the Lakers were once again outmaneuvered as the Wizards secured Valanciunas with a three-year, $30 million deal, costing the Lakers a chance to bolster their frontcourt.

Earlier, another All-Star target for the Lakers, Dejounte Murray, was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Lakers were reluctant to part with Reaves in the Murray deal, allowing the Pelicans to acquire Murray at a bargain price. Currently, the Lakers are also said to be interested in Klay Thompson. However, with the team’s roster already full, signing Thompson would require waiving some players. Given the Lakers’ pace of action, it seems unlikely that Thompson will join the Lakers.