Latest @BleacherReport Every NBA Team's Toughest Upcoming Financial Decision – a primer on what's to come for all 30 with the draft, free agency & extension windows looming https://t.co/ZYCaEXl32G— Eric Pincus (@EricPincus) May 28, 2025
Every NBA Team’s Toughest Upcoming Financial Decision
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May 28, 2025 1 Comment
FROM THE ABOVE ARTICLE:
Los Angeles Lakers: Finding a Center
LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers need to find a center this offseason after trading Anthony Davis.
2024-25 result: 50-32, playoff record 1-4
2025 draft: No. 55
Starting payroll: $191.6 million (over the tax with James, etc.)
Exceptions: TMLE
Minimum payroll: $123.3 million ($31.3 million in space)
Likely max: $207.8 million (under second apron)
Initial tax: $25.5 million
The Lakers don’t have a tough decision with Luka Dončić. They’ll offer him a four-year, $229 million maximum extension as soon as they’re allowed to and hope he takes it. Landing a superstar is the hardest step in team-building, but the Lakers historically find a way to get that done.
Assuming LeBron James picks up his $52.6 million player option or re-signs on another two-year deal with a second-year player option, the Lakers must find a way to land a starting center this offseason. With the Mark Williams debacle behind them, they may try to swing a similar deal involving Dalton Knecht (perhaps along with future draft picks) for the best starting center they can get.
Projection: Look for the Lakers to try to get someone like Daniel Gafford from the Dallas Mavericks, who may be unlikely to trade with L.A. in the near future given the fallout from the Dončić deal.