I have no optimism for the Lakers this year. I also don't think they will trade those two first round picks. They seem to be entering quiet acceptance mode that this year is probably fucked, and to make the best of it and hope for a miracle.
Lebron is about to turn 38, and has played in the NBA since 18.
AD is always injured, and doesn't seem to have the competitive drive like champions do. He reminds me of Dwight Howard in that way.
Westbrook is... a mess.
They're trying to salvage it with a new "
You get it, go" routine, which basically concedes that everyone is selfish and they should just embrace that. Amazing.
They still have the problem that the supporting cast is a collection of has-beens and nobodies. This team is finishing .500-ish, at best. If AD misses significant time (likely), or Lebron misses significant time (possible), then expect a lot of embarrassing beatdowns.
I admire how Lebron has been able to play at such a high level into his late 30s, but father time is unbeatable, especially in the NBA. Tom Brady can still be great into his mid-40s, but no NBA player is ever doing that. The game is too physical and requires too much energy. At some point, Lebron is going to fall off a cliff, and it might very well be this year. If it's not this year, it's coming very soon.