Even with a limited trade budget, the Lakers could afford to go out and get players who have something to contribute. However, with many there would come a long-term cost they reportedly don’t want to pay.
As noted by The Athletic’s Dan Woike, “The Lakers’ strategy is built on preserving as much cap space as possible next summer when LeBron James’ $52 million contract expires and Austin Reaves’ cap hold projects to be half of his eventual salary.” He also noted that the expiring salaries of Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent will “have another $22.5 million coming off the books.”
That flexibility is key, because this supporting cast doesn’t look remotely close to the ideal one for Dončić. Keeping the coffers clear should be a big step toward fixing that fact. If L.A., always a destination draw, throws its financial might into free agency, maybe that’s enough to land a young, impact center or find the perimeter defenders this club so desperately needs.
It seems like a sound strategy, even if it could lead to a sleepy trade season in Hollywood.