That leaves the Lakers with the top remaining free agent options at center as Deandre Ayton or Al Horford, unless Los Angeles can acquire a rim protector for next season via trade. Dan Woike of The Athletic reported Tuesday a "crucial decision" is expected in the coming days from the Lakers, as James is in wait-and-see mode for roster enhancement.

Brook Lopez is moving on. The veteran center and the Los Angeles Clippers agreed to a two-year, $18 million contract on Monday after he had been linked frequently to the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, the signing came out of Los Angeles' $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

I identified two needs for the Clippers, ones that mirrored their needs for the draft but were more acute because the Clippers needed short-term playable options: ball handling and frontcourt help. One of my named targets was Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez.