LeBron James is nearing 40 years old and the Lakers can target one of five superstars to pair with Anthony Davis going forward.

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The Los Angeles Lakers need to prepare for the post-LeBron era because The King will turn 40 years old at some point next season. That’s if LeBron James even stays in Los Angeles because James’ contract situation is not certain at this moment.

Whether LeBron re-signs or not, the Lakers cannot afford to sit and wait for another elite player to become available in free agency. Instead, they need to target some superstar players who can form a dynamic partnership with Anthony Davis going forward. There are five superstars the Lakers can pair with Anthony Davis in the post-LeBron era.

1. Luka Doncic

2023-24 Season Statistics: 34.2 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 9.5 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.6 BPG

The first superstar the Lakers absolutely must target is Luka Doncic. Pairing Doncic with Anthony Davis would create a formidable duo capable of dominating on both ends of the floor. Doncic’s exceptional court vision and passing skills would complement Davis’s proficiency in the post, allowing for seamless pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop opportunities.

Doncic’s scoring versatility, including his ability to shoot from deep and attack the rim, would alleviate pressure on Davis to carry the scoring load every possession, creating a more balanced offensive attack for the Lakers. He will even get closer to winning an MVP trophy because the superstar has yet to win a major individual trophy besides a Rookie of the Year trophy.

Moreover, Doncic’s potential arrival in Los Angeles would significantly boost the Lakers’ marketability because the Slovenian might not be as loyal to the Mavericks as we think. Playing in one of the NBA’s biggest markets, alongside a generational talent like Anthony Davis, would undoubtedly draw immense attention from fans and media alike. The combination of Doncic’s transcendent skill set and the Lakers’ storied franchise history would make them must-watch television and a perennial championship contender.

The only way for this to happen is if Doncic were to request a trade to Los Angeles. Offering D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, along with future draft picks, would demonstrate their commitment to acquiring Doncic and potentially sway the Dallas Mavericks’ front office. Doncic is making $43,031,940 next season, $45,999,660 in 2025-26, and a $48,967,380 player option in 2026-27. Russell has a $18,692,307 player option next year so he can engage in a sign-and-trade or sign a two or three-year deal before engaging in a sign-and-trade while Reaves and Hachimura are under contract until 2025-26.

2. Joel Embiid

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2023-24 Season Statistics: 35.3 PPG, 11.3 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 1.8 BPG

Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ towering center, could join the great lineage of Lakers big men. Standing at 7 feet tall, Embiid possesses an impressive array of offensive moves, including a soft touch around the rim, a reliable mid-range jumper, and the ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting.

Pairing Joel Embiid with Anthony Davis would create an imposing frontcourt tandem that could dominate both ends of the court. Offensively, their complementary skill sets would present significant matchup problems for opposing teams. Embiid’s ability to command double teams in the post would open up opportunities for Davis to operate in one-on-one situations or find open looks from the perimeter. Additionally, both players are mobile big men who can run the floor, finish in transition, and excel in the pick-and-roll game, adding versatility to the Lakers’ offense.

In the proposed trade scenario, if Joel Embiid were to request a trade to Los Angeles, offering D’Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, along with future draft picks, would represent a significant package to entice the Philadelphia 76ers. The reigning MVP is under contract until 2025-26 with a $59,033,114 player option in 2026-27, so acquiring him would create a long-term partnership with Davis while the rest of the lineup could be filled out with playmakers and shooters. In the post-LeBron era, creating arguably the best frontcourt ever could be a difference-maker for the Lakers.

3. Donovan Mitchell

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2023-24 Season Statistics: 28.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Donovan Mitchell has established himself as one of the premier talents in the NBA, posting 28.4 points per game this season as arguably the best shooting guard. Mitchell’s combination of speed, athleticism, and scoring prowess makes him a dynamic offensive threat who can create his own shot from anywhere on the court.

Pairing Donovan Mitchell with Anthony Davis would create a formidable “little-big” duo reminiscent of the legendary pairing of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal in Los Angeles. Mitchell’s ability to penetrate defenses, draw fouls, and knock down perimeter shots would complement Davis’s inside-out scoring game, providing the Lakers with a versatile and potent offensive attack.

In terms of market appeal, Donovan Mitchell’s arrival in Los Angeles would undoubtedly generate excitement and rejuvenate the Lakers franchise. As one of the league’s brightest young stars, Mitchell has the charisma and star power to become the face of the Lakers and help lead them back to championship contention. His marketability, combined with the Lakers’ storied history and passionate fanbase, would make for a compelling partnership that could elevate both Mitchell’s career and the Lakers’ fortunes.

Regarding his uncertain future in Cleveland, Mitchell is looking for a big market. He enjoys the spotlight, has the athleticism to make highlights, and is a premier talent. Mitchell and Davis would be an excellent duo, and the shooting guard will make $35,410,310 next season with a $37,096,620 player option the following year. He is clearly looking for a deal similar to what Jaylen Brown signed, giving him in excess of $270 million. No doubt, at 27 years old, he is worth that money in today’s market, and the Lakers would promise a max extension for the long term.

4. Trae Young

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2023-24 Season Statistics: 26.7 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 10.9 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.2 BPG

Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks’ electrifying point guard, has quickly become one of the most dynamic offensive talents in the NBA. Known for his exceptional ball-handling skills, deep shooting range, and crafty playmaking ability, Young has the potential to transform any offense he joins, including the 13th-ranked Lakers in that sense.

Pairing Trae Young with Anthony Davis would create a lethal pick-and-roll combination that could terrorize opposing defenses. Young’s ability to break down defenders off the dribble and make accurate passes would perfectly complement Davis’s ability to roll to the rim or pop out for mid-range jumpers. Additionally, Young’s threat as a shooter from beyond the arc would help create spacing on the floor, opening up driving lanes for Davis and other teammates.

The Lakers’ potential acquisition of Trae Young this summer could also pave the way for one final championship run with LeBron James. Forming a Big Three with James and Davis would instantly make the Lakers one of the most formidable teams in the league, capable of competing at the highest level for another title.

In terms of acquiring Trae Young, the Lakers would likely need to part ways with significant assets to make the deal happen. However, given Young’s talent and potential to be a franchise cornerstone for years to come, it would be a move worth pursuing for a Lakers team looking to maximize its championship window. Even in the post-LeBron era, Young (under contract until 2025-26) would be a long-term partner for Davis as the Lakers search for another swingman to complement them going forward.

5. Zion Williamson

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2023-24 Season Statistics: 22.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 4.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG

Acquiring Zion Williamson, the dynamic forward of the New Orleans Pelicans, would be a significant move for the Los Angeles Lakers, albeit a challenging one. Williamson’s combination of power, athleticism, and skill make him one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA, despite injury concerns that have limited his availability at times.

The Lakers would likely need to offer a substantial package to entice the Pelicans to part ways with Zion Williamson, even if the Pelicans might have to choose between him and Brandon Ingram. The Lakers could offer a combination of players (Russell, Reaves, Hachimura), draft picks, and salary filler to make the deal happen.

Pairing Zion Williamson with Anthony Davis would create a modern-day twin towers scenario that could wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Both players possess the versatility to dominate inside and outside, with the ability to score in the paint, crash the boards, and stretch the floor with their shooting range. Williamson’s explosive athleticism and knack for finishing around the rim would complement Davis’s finesse and shot-blocking ability, creating a formidable frontcourt tandem that would be a nightmare for opponents to contain.

Zion belongs in a big market because of his image and the sheer highlight reels he will generate, and nothing would be as interesting as seeing the superstar forward in a Purple and Gold jersey alongside Davis. At the same time, the Lakers would also find a way to engage in free agency to try to create a Big Three in the post-LeBron era.