Denver Nuggets: Free agency update on day one of the period

Denver Nuggets: Free agency update, day one

Cleveland Cavaliers v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - MARCH 7: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers shoots the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on March 7, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 929060806 /

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LA Lakers

The Lakers are fresh off a 35-47 season and while they also have a promising young core, they don’t have a burgeoning superstar.

Denver Nuggets /

Denver Nuggets

They do have the cap space to sign two max players, but their options are diminishing.

George resigned in OKC and it seems like trade talks for Kawhi Leonard have stalled and the Spurs have made it clear they either wish to keep Leonard or trade him to a non-Western Conference team.

Chris Paul is back in Houston, Kevin Durant is back in Oakland, which leaves one superstar caliber player left on the board. Demarcus Cousins remains a free-agent, but he is coming off a devastating Achilles injury which could propel him towards the end of his prime and career.

Plus, it seems like he would prefer to sign back in New Orleans.

That means that the Lakers have no real advantage in the LeBron sweepstakes anymore, other than being able to offer him the max and being a big market.

However, LeBron likely isn’t super concerned about the money right now, with a reported net worth of $440 million and a lifetime deal with Nike.