'At Least We Got Bronny': Lakers Shredded On Social Media After Whiffing On Main Free-Agent Targets

The Lakers began the NBA's 2024 free agency period in disappointment—a familiar feeling for a franchise with only two playoff series wins since 2021.

On Monday, one of the team's most highly-coveted targets, guard Klay Thompson, spurned its advances to join the Dallas Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract .

Thompson was one of three players who Lakers forward LeBron James was reportedly willing to take a pay cut for if Los Angeles could sign. The others were guard James Harden and center Jonas Valanciunas.

On Sunday, Harden re-signed with the Clippers on a two-year, $70 million contract , while Valanciunas landed in Washington on a three-year, $30 million deal with the Wizards.

A Lakers offseason that began with excitement has turned into a catastrophe in less than 24 hours, and fans have expressed their feelings on social media.

"At least we got Bronny...this front office is a joke," wrote one bitter fan. Last Thursday, the Lakers selected James' son, Bronny James, with the 55th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft.

"Rob Pelinka on fraud watch," wrote another commenter.

"Rob Pelinka still having a job should be considered a crime in 170 countries and the [Vatican]," suggested another fan.

"Lebron should sign a one year, play with [Bronny] and get out of there. Embarrassing to fumble free agency this many times!" proclaimed one exhausted poster.

"The [Lakers] organization has failed you both [LeBron James] and [Anthony Davis]. I’m sorry," one commenter said.

In 2023-24, Los Angeles finished 47-35 and earned the seventh seed via the play-in tournament.

They lost to the Denver Nuggets in five games in the first round of the playoffs.

With Harden, Thompson, and Valancuinas no longer available, James is expected to take a max contract, severely limiting the Lakers' ability to upgrade the roster around him and Anthony Davis.

Los Angeles' 2024 free-agency disappointment could easily signify a long season ahead.