LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Jared Dudley huddled after the 2020-21 season to plot a return to the NBA Finals. Convinced they needed more star talent after struggling while James and Davis were sidelined by injuries last season, the group scanned the league for a new partner. On most teams, that task would fall to the front office. On the Lakers, with their collaborative front office, it meant locker-room leaders had permission to canvas the league.