The NBA Trade Deadline is now less than a week away! For @spotrac, I put together a primer for the Western Conference:
Cap/Tax/Apron status
FROM ABOVE ARTICLE:
Los Angeles Lakers
Cap/Tax/Apron Picture: $7.1 million over the luxury tax, $977,225 under the first apron
Notable Traded Player Exceptions: None
Draft Pick Situation: The Lakers have their own first-round picks in 2026, 2028, and 2030-2032. However, because of picks they have outgoing, Los Angeles can’t trade their 2026, 2028 or 2030 first-round picks due to the Stepien Rule. The outgoing picks are a top-4 protected first to Utah in 2027 and 2029 first to Dallas.
The Lakers have one tradable second-round pick.
Trade Deadline Strategy: Buyers. Much like the crosstown rival Clippers, the Lakers are looking to add to their roster. But they also don’t want to take on money. For the Lakers, they’re being even more conversative, as they don’t want to take on salary that extends past this season, unless that player is a long-term fit on the roster.
Most Likely to be Traded: Maxi Kleber or Gabe Vincent. There’s a good chance that Los Angeles will do something with either Kleber or Vincent, because both are on expiring deals that are very tradable. It’s possible both could be on the move before the deadline.