Lakers Active On Wing Defenders As LeBron Talks Stall

The Lakers' free-agency plan sounds like it is already moving without a clean LeBron James resolution.

Brian Windhorst said Los Angeles has been active in trade talks over the last few days, with the team looking to absorb wing defenders into its cap space. He also said the Lakers are expected to move quickly on a free-agent center when the market opens.

The center names mentioned included Robert Williams, Mitchell Robinson and Jusuf Nurkic. The bigger idea is clear enough: add size early, then use cap flexibility to chase defensive help on the wing.

The LeBron part gives the update its edge. Windhorst said the Lakers reached out to James' representatives early in the window, told them they wanted him back and wanted to speak with their own free agents, but there have been no further talks. He also said James has not made himself available for a meeting.

Rich Paul's quoted message was short: "The Lakers are not and will not annoy us." Windhorst added that James is focused on being happy, not just on money.

That leaves Los Angeles in a tight spot. The Lakers still have to build around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves, and the free-agent clock is not waiting for LeBron's next move.