Lakers will chase two of the biggest free agents of 2014.
The Los Angeles Lakers will target both Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James in 2014 according to ESPN sources.
The Lakers are still currently reeling from the decision of Dwight Howard to leave the franchise in order to join the Houston Rockets. With Metta World Peace following him through the exit door, it remains to be seen what moves the front office make ahead of the new season aside from the arrival of Chris Kaman.
However, speculation has fast-forwarded to the summer of 2014, where there will be a whole host of free agents available on the market and it is not necessarily ruled out that the Lakers will sacrifice making moves this summer in order to remain financially competitive next year.
Their ambition is rumoured to be landing both Anthony and James, although there are conflicting responses to the idea with some suggesting it is realistic while others believe it is too far-fetched.
Neither superstar have committed beyond the end of next season, although at this stage it is understood that James has made no indication that he would consider leaving Miami.
In contrast, speculation suggests Anthony could be open to the idea, but there are still too many variables that could change the situation with a new season coming up.
Dwyane Wade, Amare Stoudemire and Chris Bosh also have early termination options on their deals, while Luol Deng, Danny Granger, Andrew Bogut and Dirk Nowitzki will also be unrestricted free agents next summer.
Much will also depend on the future of Kobe Bryant, who enters the league next season as the highest paid player with a salary of $30.5m. The Mamba will miss the start of the campaign as he continues to recover from a torn Achilles tendon, but will have to consider his position at the end of the year when his contract runs down.
It is expected that he will take a huge wage cut to extend his stay at the Staples Center, thus allowing the Lakers to be competitive in the market by staying comfortably under the salary cap.
In theory, Steve Nash could also remain if the Lakers were to move for James and Anthony, although similarly to Bryant he would have to take a significant cut in order to help the franchise stay out of financial trouble.
At this stage it appears to be mere talk, but the thought of bringing together three of the biggest superstars of the NBA to the Staples Center is certainly an exciting prospect.
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