Los Angeles Lakers angling for two max free agents in 2018

The Los Angeles Lakers have missed the postseason for four consecutive years. But they could be just a year away from returning to championship contention under the new regime of president Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka.

Earlier this week, the Lakers traded promising young guard D'Angelo Russell and Timofey Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets with the intention to clear cap room for the 2018 offseason. Next year, the likes of Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, DeAndre Jordan, DeMarcus Cousins and Paul George are due to become unrestricted free agents. By keeping their 2017-18 pay roll under check, the Lakers believe they have a shot at least two superstars next July.

Pelinka, while speaking to reporters Friday, said the team will only accept one-year rentals or expiring contracts this summer with plans to clear the decks in 2018. Brook Lopez, the contract they acquired as part of the D'Angelo Russell trade, will also come off the books next year. In recent years, the Lakers have failed to attract marquee free agents. The previous regime, under Jim Buss and Mitch Kupchak, couldn't convince the likes of Carmelo Anthony and LaMarcus Aldridge to sign with the Purple & Gold.

2018 NBA Free Agency: Lakers believe they can get the big names

The new regime is confident that free agents would be flocking to La La land soon. "There's just a renewed energy around here. We feel it in the offices every day. We felt through this draft process. I think clearly with Earvin's vision and just his persona, I think the organization is really taking on that positive joy that he seems to live with every day. I think players around the NBA feel that as well and are going to be attracted to that energy here," said Pelinka, via ESPN.

The Lakers have picked the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft for three consecutive years. And while they view Lonzo Ball as "the new face of the Lakers," the front office is determined to land the big fishes next year to complement the youth with a blend of established All-Stars.

"We know the goal here is to compete for championships. That's what we want to do. I think with the leading teams in the league today, we felt like, to be able to look them in the eye and challenge them, we need two superstar players to come here and join this platform and join our core group of players we now have. That's our plan, and we're going to put all of our energy and all of our hard work toward that."

Meanwhile, there is still a possibility of Lakers pulling off a Paul George trade this summer. With George making clear his intentions to test free agency next summer, the Pacers are under pressure to ship the All-Star forward. George has been linked strongly to the Lakers, his hometown franchise. With Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and possibly Paul Georg on board, the Lakers could prove to be an attractive destination for free agents in the summer of 2018. Stay tuned for the latest 2018 NBA Free Agency news.