Examining Lakers’ Salary Cap, Decisions for 2024 NBA Free Agency After Nuggets Loss
Examining Lakers’ Salary Cap, Decisions for 2024 NBA Free Agency After Nuggets Loss0 of 3
LeBron James and Anthony DavisPatrick Smith/Getty Images
Although the Los Angeles Lakers made the NBA playoffs once again, the disappointment of a rapid elimination is bleeding into a potentially worse offseason.
Or, you know, maybe it won’t all be gloom and doom.
Following a play-in tournament win over the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers lost to the Denver Nuggets in the first round. They squandered a couple of double-digit leads early in the series and could not recover.
Los Angeles now must confront a tough reality: Was it the final time LeBron James donned the purple and gold?
That answer will shape how the Lakers address the roster this summer.
Salary Cap1 of 3
Rui HachimuraNathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images
Generally speaking, flexibility is a good thing.
Next season, LA could be under the projected $141 million cap, below the $172 million luxury tax or above the tax. On paper, that range may seem valuable. The problem is that the first outcome in particular would mean the front office is retooling the roster.
So, in the Lakers’ case, the flexibility is kind of scary.
Los Angels currently has $178.8 million committed to 12 players. Based on that number, the franchise would have access to the taxpayer mid-level exception of about $5.2 million.
The true figure—regardless of potential trades—is based on an impending decision from both LeBron James and D’Angelo Russell.
Top Contract Decisions2 of 3
LeBron James and D’Angelo RussellEzra Shaw/Getty Images
The good news is every rotation piece is under contract for 2024-25 except for reserves Taurean Prince and Spencer Dinwiddie. Max Christie is an unrestricted free agent, too.
The bad news is that player options exist.
LeBron James has a $51.4 salary on the books, but he may elect to become a free agent. That possibility has loomed with his son, Bronny James, now eligible for the NBA draft. (Bronny could return to college for another year, which may also affect LeBron’s decision).
D’Angelo Russell is another prime candidate to hit the market. He’s due $18.7 million next season, yet he’d likely command a substantial raise in free agency after averaging 18.0 points and 6.3 assists.
As if that’s not enough, Christian Wood ($3 million), Jaxson Hayes ($2.5 million) and Cam Reddish ($2.5 million) all hold options.
Otherwise, the main story is whether the Lakers will try to land another star in a trade. If so, they must be prepared to include some combination of Rui Hachimura, Austin Reaves, Gabe Vincent, Jarred Vanderbilt and Jalen Hood-Schifino in the deal.
Free Agents to Pursue3 of 3
DeMar DeRozanIssac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images
“How much money will they actually have?” is a question that can be asked for every team, but it’s especially fair to wonder because of the Lakers’ wide range of possible realities.
Maybe, just maybe, DeMar DeRozan helps them out anyway. Given that he’s never played in an NBA Finals and will be 35 next season, will DeRozan consider being a low-cost ring-chaser? Would the Compton kid and USC product entertain a return to Los Angeles?
While that certainly is an improbable dream scenario, DeRozan should probably be the Lakers’ first call.
After him, improved depth on the wing is needed. Kelly Oubre can provide on-ball creation, while Doug McDermott would be a superb high-volume three-point shooter. Klay Thompson may crack the radar, too.
LA’s spacing can be an issue, and Anthony Davis’ long-hoped perimeter breakout may never happen. Whether to pursue a physical force down low or a floor-spacing center—Jonas Valanciunas or Kelly Olynyk, respectively, for example—is another big question.
The bigger the name of the free agent, however, the more likely it means LeBron isn’t returning to the Lakers.
