Lakers News: Magic Johnson Says Team Won't 'Give Money Away' in Free Agency

The Los Angeles Lakers have made some curious decisions during free agency in recent years, but don't expect that to be the case this year.

Lakers president Magic Johnson told reporters Friday the team will only sign a free agent this summer if it believes that it's in the best interest of the organization, saying, "We're not going to give money away just to say we signed someone."

Two years ago, former Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak signed Timofey Mozgov to a four-year, $64 million contract following the 7'1" center's solid showing with the Cleveland Cavaliers during a championship run. A year later, the Lakers dumped off Mozgov to the Brooklyn Nets in a trade that also saw former No. 2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell leave town. It was also in 2016 that the team signed then-31-year-old Luol Deng to a four-year, $72 million contract.

Those contracts didn't work out.

Los Angeles is expected to be among the potential landing spots for LeBron James and Paul George this summer. Regardless of whether the team can sign either of those All-Stars, it will have to be smart with its money during the rest of free agency.

Despite dealing with injuries, the Lakers saw a nine-win improvement this season. Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart give the team a young core to build around. Head coach Luke Walton told reporters L.A. is interested in re-signing former seventh overall pick Julius Randle as well.

The young Lakers grew in their first year under Magic Johnson, and the front office will look to avoid making costly mistakes going forward.