Houston Rockets: Comparing offseasons so far with West’s top teams

SACRAMENTO, CA - APRIL 2: Clint Capela #15, Chris Paul #3 and James Harden #13 of the Houston Rockets link arms for the national anthem of the game against the Sacramento Kings on April 2, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers handles the ball against the Houston Rockets on February 21, 2019 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. 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 Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Lakers

The Lakers appear to be trying to add an additional max player to go along with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Many believe that the additional piece could be Kawhi Leonard, although Leonard hasn’t made a decision. But even if the Lakers do end up getting Leonard, the Warriors have shown how important it is to have depth, and the Lakers wouldn’t have the cap space to bring on any additional valuable players, other than players they can acquire for the veteran’s minimum.

Oftentimes players who are brought in on the veteran’s minimum are older players, who the Lakers likely wouldn’t be able to rely on to play heavy minutes. Although a trio of Davis, James, and Leonard would be unstoppable, both Davis and Leonard have an injury history and the Lakers wouldn’t have the depth to rest any of their stars.

LeBron James is still playing at a high level, but also missed 27 games of his own this past season and is certainly not getting any younger. In addition, the Lakers have recently been a very dysfunctional organization, so I wouldn’t be surprised if they self-implode.

Next: Jazz/Nuggets