The Lebron-Lance era could be here to stay in LA (David Richard/USA TODAY Sports)

Now the Lakers have agreed a buyout with Luol Deng, they have the cap space to sign any free agent to a max deal in 2019. Whether it be a ten year veteran like Kevin Durant, or the stars who warrant slightly less, like Kawhi, Klay Thompson or Jimmy Butler.. Basically, if a top free agent is considering LeBron next summer, money won't be an issue.

However, in order to do this, the Lakers will first have to renounce the rights to all their one-year deals from 2018/19, including JaVale McGee, Rajon Rondo, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Michael Beasley and of course Lance Stephenson. 

New motivation? Lance's jumper looks improved as he prepares for life with LeBron and co.

Lance, however, finds himself in a unique position from the five, as he could potentially have a future in LA, if this season and next summer plays out like it's supposed to. 

Take Rondo for example. If Lonzo Ball turns into the point guard that optimists believe he can be, and you still have LeBron, then there's no need for the Rondo's presence in the Laker dressing room beyond this season. Let's not forget that Brandon Ingram has also shown some serious promise playing the point also. That's plenty of high-level play-making, without resigning Rondo. 

Kentavious Caldwell Pope and Michael Beasley will become unnecessary if the Lakers are able to pick up a Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler or even Kevin Durant. With a 3 man rotation of LeBron, Ingram and Butler/Kawhi/KD, and with Hart and Kuzma off the bench, KCP's 3 and D prowess, and Michael Beasley's potent offensive abilities will be well covered. 

JaVale could find himself in a Lakers uniform after 2019, as they may choose to keep the athletic rim protector, while leaving the stretch-big role to a now second-year Moritz Wagner, who would have a year's experience under his belt. But McGee would only warrant a veteran's minimum deal, similar to the one he signed this offseason. Hence, he finds himself behind Lance, who is in pole position to survive out of the group.

Lance's motivations go beyond the court this year, as he told Vigilant Sports that finding a place to settle down is key for him now:

“Oh yeah, I’m definitely looking for a long-term contract after this. I’m trying to find a home. I’ve been moving a lot and to different teams. I’m trying to find a place where I can actually call home and feel comfortable, and actually get a nice place and stay there for a while.” 

It definitely seems like he's been putting in the work to do this, as new workout videos have been emerging almost every week of Lance this offseason. Having a guy with his grit and personality can be great for a team, and often one "wildcard" who will ultimately put it all on the line for his squad (Draymond, Rodman, Stephen Jackson, you get the idea) has a major component to a championship team. 

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Lance can definitely be that guy, and proved to be a valuable player for the Pacers in both his go-arounds in Indiana. 

His own issue? Performing to this high level on a consistent basis, and not letting the emotions that sometimes bring the best out of him, get the best of him. 

However, playing under the umbrella of the Magic Johnson and LeBron James tandem, in sunny Los Angeles, and for the biggest brand in basketball, may finally put the pressure on Lance to perform at his best consistently.

With his toughness on the defensive end, play-making abilities offensively, and all-round energizer bunny personality to galvanize the troops, there's a place for him in this team past 2019. 

In terms of a long term deal, the Lakers wouldn't actually be able to offer him more than an additional two-years as he would have to sign the mid-level exception made available for teams that don't pay luxury tax, per the rules of the CBA. However, you're talking about a second and third year with LeBron and company, and with the Lakers being his seventh team in four years, three years in one location would be the most stability Stephenson has seen since he left Indiana for the Hornets in 2014. 

Lance is a hell of a show, both good and bad. Now it's time to put on his best performance, and for his sake, a long term one, as a part the NBA's Showtime franchise, with the league's best performer as his lead. 

Break a leg, Lance, and hope that it brings an encore.

Do you think Lance can have a future with the Lakers? Leave a comment!