It is not a secret that the Los Angeles Lakers struggled to sign high-profile players in the last few years. Despite their history and prestige, superstars rarely decide to consciously join Los Angeles, with LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal the only major additions via free agency in the last 21 years.
Of course, both were a huge acquisition that shifted the balance in the NBA, no complaints from Lakers Nation. But, through the years, stars and superstars refused, for whatever reason, to sign with a franchise which counts 16 championships on its resume.
Lakers fans spent many frustrating summers hoping that the top of free agents elected to wear the purple and gold to turn the tide of the team.