LeBron James opens up on Lakers' failure to land Klay Thompson, others

The JJ Redick hire and Bronny James draft selection notwithstanding, the Lakers have had a quiet offseason thus far. But not by design.

The Lakers reportedly pursued the likes of Klay Thompson, Buddy Hield, DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas, all of whom decided to sign elsewhere. Furthermore, LeBron James reportedly was willing to take a pay cut for Thompson and made a recruitment pitch to the ex-Warrior at the start of free agency.

In an interview with ESPN's Dave McMenamin on Sunday, James was asked about the Lakers' failed attempt to land any of the prized free agents.

"It takes two to tango," James said of the Lakers striking out. "I think our front office, our coaching staff, they tried to do the job that they wanted to do or tried to get guys to come, and it didn't happen. And that's OK. That's part of the business. I've been in this business long enough to know that sometimes it happens, sometimes it don't.

"So, we don't sit here and lie about or cry about it. We move on. And Klay's a great player. Obviously, DeMar's a great player. Valanciunas was one of those guys who ended up going to Washington, was someone that was in talks with us, but we move on to see how we continue to get better."

If the 2024-25 season were to start today, the Lakers would be bringing back at least 11 players from last season's roster that finished seventh in the crowded West. The minimal roster turnover is why oddsmakers in Vegas have given the Lakers the ninth-shortest odds to win the NBA title next year.

While some still feel, though, that the Lakers will have another underwhelming season, James believes his team isn't "that far off" from title contention.

That may hinge on more roster upgrades, which there is little hope for ahead of the 2024-25 season unless the Lakers take the drastic step of trading Austin Reaves.