For some, it might seem like the Los Angeles Lakers have achieved their mission for the summer of 2024.
They made significant moves by hiring JJ Redick as their new head coach and drafting Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, which was a major focus for Lakers fans.
(Although, Dalton Knecht, drafted at No. 17, is also a promising addition worth noting, but that’s a story for another time.)
Despite the new contracts secured by both Jameses – LeBron signing a $104 million deal over two seasons and Bronny signing for $7.9 million over four years – the mission is not quite complete.
The Lakers’ roster still needs work, especially as they approach second apron territory, limiting their future transactions.
So, let’s assess their current situation.
Reports suggest that LeBron may be willing to take a pay cut to help the Lakers avoid surpassing the second apron. This indicates a willingness to make sacrifices for the team’s success.
Currently, the Lakers are not hard-capped, giving them some flexibility to re-sign players without exceeding the second apron.
However, they have one last opportunity to enhance their roster before facing restrictions. It’s crucial that they make strategic decisions with this remaining flexibility.
By consolidating contracts and acquiring a player of higher value for less combined salary, the Lakers can achieve multiple benefits:
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Add a key player to boost their playoff aspirations.
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Be hard-capped at the second apron, ensuring financial stability.
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Create some room for maneuvering under the hard cap, mitigating its impact.
While this strategy sounds promising, it comes with challenges. Teams will seek advantageous deals in trade negotiations, especially those wary of luxury tax implications.
Acquiring players like Cam Johnson or DeMar DeRozan will require intricate negotiations and potentially involving third parties to manage salary constraints.
The Lakers must navigate these complexities to elevate their team this season, considering the aging of key players like LeBron and Anthony Davis.
This summer presents a crucial window for the Lakers to make impactful moves and solidify their roster before their competitive window closes.
Creativity and strategic planning will be key in achieving their goals and potentially hanging that “Mission Accomplished” banner.