Despite expectations for notable changes, the Los Angeles Lakers had a low-key offseason. The Lakers, along with other taxpaying teams, faced challenges in enhancing their rosters due to new limitations on collective bargaining. Fans were optimistic about salary cap relief if Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, Cam Reddish, or D’Angelo Russell rejected their player options, but they ultimately did not do so. Discussions also took place regarding LeBron James potentially accepting a substantial reduction in pay to lure a player like Klay Thompson or DeMar DeRozan, but that plan did not come to fruition.
Missed Opportunities and Future Plans
The Lakers attempted to sign various top players, but ultimately chose to re-sign James for a two-year deal worth $101.35 million, slightly less than the maximum amount. Per The Athletic’s Jovan Buha, the Lakers are likely to stay patient and could potentially execute a trade prior to the February 7 deadline. Possible players to trade for are Clint Capela, Brandon Ingram, and Lauri Markkanen.
Shifting Focus from Buyers to Sellers
In order to enhance their team, the Lakers may have to change their strategy from acquiring new players to getting rid of current ones. Wood, Hayes, and Reddish, who had limited playing time last season, might be subject to trades. These actions may enable the Lakers to drop below the second luxury-tax threshold, which would permit them to utilize the taxpayer midlevel exception.
Maintaining Flexibility
At the moment, the Lakers have 15 players on their roster. Getting rid of one or two players could help keep trade options open, a tactic that has been effective for them previously. Even after facing challenges offseason, the Lakers made changes to their lineup two years ago and successfully reached the Western Conference Finals.
Looking Ahead
The Lakers’ lineup at the top continues to be solid, just like the squad that had a successful season in 2023. Decimating the bottom of the lineup is not expected to have a significant effect on the game. The Lakers can keep afloat by being patient and flexible while they wait for the right trade opportunity to enhance their supporting cast.
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