Now that the initial rush of NBA free agency is over, we can actually sit back and start to analyze the moves. The Boogie to GSW doesn’t need much analyzing, it’s a home-run. Sure, Boogie is out for most of the year but the Warriors are already the best team in the league, and they got the best big-man on the open market…at a bargain. Kevin Durant, Paul George and Chris Paul all re-signed, which made the most sense for each party involved. KD can’t pass up a free ring. PG did what KD couldn’t do, stay with Russ. CP3 couldn’t (and shouldn’t) pass up $160M. Then there are the Lakers.

The Lakers got the biggest name in free agency, LeBron James. That alone should mean you won free agency, but apparently that memo didn’t get out. The Lakers other signings is driving the world, or at least NBA Twitter, bonkers. My message to Laker fans is simple: don’t fret. Magic and Rob have a plan and it seems to be working out nicely. Those who have played basketball know that this is actually a solid mix of players. Get the Cleveland “offense” for LeBron out of your head, because that’s what not what this is. LeBron won’t have to be the single play-maker for this Laker team. LeBron can actually do something he’s openly said he’s wanted to do: play off the ball.

The reported signings of Rondo and Stephenson, give the Lakers two additional ball-handlers that can create for others, more so in Rondo’s case. The Lakers already have Lonzo, who is an elite passer, and Brandon Ingram, who ran point guard in his rookie season and has shown flashes as a good play-maker. The Lakers will be looking to have great ball movement, and hit players on key cuts. The Lakers also signed big-man Javale McGee, fresh off back-to-back titles with the Warriors. McGee has really played with a more mature attitude, and his play has gotten much better – getting key minutes in playoff games. The best part of all of these signings: they are all one year deals. Bonus news on these signings: LeBron apparently signed off on these moves.

The Lakers still have about $5.3 million to use with the mid-floor exception, and they should use it on Brook Lopez. He’s already familiar with the team, and can space the floor for when LeBron/Ingram post-up. Even if it’s not Lopez, the Lakers are in a great place to be for the Kawhi Leonard sweepstakes. Don’t get it twisted, that is the endgame here. Pairing LeBron & Kawhi, while maintaining the youth movement is key to catching the Warriors and maintaining pace with the Celtics.  This upcoming season won’t be a wash however. When you sign a player like LeBron James, you’re in win-now mode, always. Here is how I see the Lakers starting line up for next season, with the current roster.

Starters
C: JaVale McGee
F: LeBron James
F: Brandon Ingram
G: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
G: Lonzo Ball

Bench:
C: Ivica Zubac/Mo Wagner
F: Kyle Kuzma (6th Man)
F: Lance Stephonson
G: Josh Hart
G: Rajon Rondo

For those fans that think Kuzma should start over Brandon Ingram, you’re wrong. You’re just wrong. Ingram is a much better player, and nothing against Kuz. He’s a beast and can flat out score, but Ingram is just on another level. There are not a lot of bigs out west, or at all, so the Lakers can get away with playing LeBron at the 4. He (LeBron) will be in the post a lot, so keeping Ingram in the starting line-up makes the most sense. I see Lonzo starting, and I don’t really see a change in that. I truly believe Rondo is here to improve Lonzo’s game, and to put pressure on him. Rondo will play his minutes, but I doubt they come at the expense of Lonzo. If anything, I think they might come at the expense of KCP, because I can see the Lakers closing games like this: Lonzo, Rondo, Ingram, Kuzma, and LeBron. Five guys that are intelligent basketball players, that can move the ball and run an offense.

This Laker team will win some games. They might win 50 or more. I doubt they win the championship, but I think they can and will push the Warriors. The key to this team is keeping the young players intact. There is a reason that LeBron chose the Lakers. Sure, it could have been for his family. Or for the weather. Or Magic. But there is something on this roster that LeBron clearly likes, and you have to believe that it’s Lonzo, BI & Kuz. Those three guys are the keys to the Lakers future, and if they can mature enough, this team could be competing in NBA Finals sooner rather than later.

So trust in Magic. Trust in Rob. They know what they are doing, and have a plan in place. This is just the beginning of a two-summer process, remember? Just relax, enjoy the Lakers season, and be prepared for Kawhi to join the group next summer.