Report: LeBron not pressuring Lakers to acquire 2nd star

LeBron James signed a four-year deal because he wanted to give the Los Angeles Lakers some time to build their team.

As such, James isn't pressuring the Lakers to immediately attract a second star, league sources told ESPN's Zach Lowe.

That sentiment echoes an earlier report that revealed James had approved of the Lakers' head-scratching free-agent signings this summer, in which Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka rushed to sign Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, and Rajon Rondo.

The Lakers are still pursuing a trade for Kawhi Leonard, but they have not caved to San Antonio's reported demand that includes Brandon Ingram, Kyle Kuzma, Josh Hart, two first-round picks, and the right to swap picks in two upcoming drafts. Such a move would deplete the Lakers of assets and depth, which will only hurt James in the long run.

James, as Lowe writes, understands that the 2019 free-agent class is loaded. Not only could Leonard simply sign with the Lakers, but there's also Jimmy Butler, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, and a handful of other stars who could be had. With that in mind, Los Angeles has wisely preserved most of its cap flexibility by signing everyone but James to one-year deals.