"Dallas Cowboys & Lakers are mirroring franchises" - NBA fans disappointed with LA Lakers struggling to sign former Raptors guard

LA Lakers are unlikely to pursue former Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. after LeBron James signed a new deal. The Lakers could've pursued the free-agent guard if it weren't for James' new two-year, $104 million deal. After failing to secure Klay Thompson, Jonas Valanciunas and DeMar DeRozan, the team decided to give their star player a new deal. Now, they won't be able to sign Trent for next season.

Trent remains unsigned after becoming an unrestricted free agent. The guard spent the 2023-24 NBA season with the Toronto Raptors where he averaged 13.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

"One source close to the process cautioned this week that the Lakers, until they can move farther away from the second luxury tax apron, can't even make a run at Trent ... no matter how available he appears to be. The Lakers, remember, are only marginally distanced from the second apron after LeBron James signed a new two-year deal that was less than $3 million shy of the $104 million maximum he could have received," Marc Stein reported.

Fans didn't hold back in sharing their thoughts about the Lakers' free agency woes.

"The Dallas Cowboys and LA Lakers are mirroring franchises that pocket the money and aren't serious about titles," one fan said.

"Lakers arent a serious franchise," another fan said.

"Only west team to not make a move yet," one fan said.

Other fans weren't surprised about the Lakers' situation.

"Why am i not surprised," one fan said.

"They can’t really afford to pursue anyone anyways," another fan said.

"This is not news. We all know this," a fan said.

Also read: "Wake up ROB": LA Lakers fans urge GM to trade for Gary Trent Jr. amid reports of former Raptors guard potentially taking a one-year deal

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LeBron James on the LA Lakers' unsuccessful offseason

Many were waiting for the LA Lakers to make a splash in free agency. However, they've struggled to make any major signings this summer, which puts them in a tough spot. They are one of three teams so far who have not signed a new player this summer. The other two teams are the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In an interview with ESPN's Dave McMenamin, LeBron James was asked why the team hasn't been successful in pursuing someone.

"It takes two to tango. 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," James responded (per Silver Screen and Roll).

The Lakers don't have the luxury to make significant additions to the team anymore. However, they can make trades to improve their roster.

Also read: Is Bronny James playing tonight vs Heat? Latest on LA Lakers rookie's status (July 10)