The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to make a significant move this offseason. After missing out on top free agents like Klay Thompson and Paul George, NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski suggests that major roster changes are unlikely. During SportsCenter’s free agency coverage, Wojnarowski indicated that while minor moves might occur, a significant acquisition seems improbable.
“It’s a very limited market out there,” said Wojnarowski. DeMar DeRozan is the most notable free agent available, but there’s no indication he would consider a pay cut to join the Lakers. A sign-and-trade would be the only feasible way to acquire him, but Wojnarowski doesn’t foresee the Lakers pursuing this option.
“It’s a limited trade market unless you want to put draft picks with contracts to get money off, you’re going to have trouble really adding to your roster,” he continued. “I don’t expect the Lakers to look a whole lot different on opening night than they do now. There are some moves around the edges, but I don’t sense there’s a big impact move out there for the Lakers or very many teams right now.”
Lakers in a Tight Spot
With player options extended to Cam Reddish, Christian Wood, and Jaxson Hayes, the Lakers are set to have a full roster of 15 regular contracts once LeBron James and Max Christie finalize their re-signings. LeBron James’ agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, informed ESPN’s Dave McMenamin that the four-time MVP was willing to accept less than his maximum salary to help the Lakers sign an “impact player” like Klay Thompson, James Harden, or Jonas Valančiūnas. However, with all three players now committed elsewhere, James has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $104 million maximum contract.
James remains open to taking a slightly lower salary to ensure the Lakers stay below the $188.9 million hard cap limit. Excluding two-way contracts, the Lakers currently lack roster space to add more players. Even if they had space, they could only offer minimum-salary contracts to free agents.
Future Planning Beyond LeBron James
In recent years, the Lakers have been hesitant to trade away young players and draft picks. However, there seemed to be a shift in approach this offseason. While they possess three first-round picks for potential trades, it appears the franchise is not currently pursuing major acquisitions.
Sticking with the current roster might not be the preferred option for most Lakers fans, but it could be the only viable path forward. The Lakers parted ways with former head coach Darvin Ham, believing he didn’t fully optimize the roster’s talent last season. They have placed their trust in rookie head coach JJ Redick.
If Redick excels, the Lakers have much of what they need to compete at a top level if they remain healthy. Looking ahead, the team might seek improvements before the February trade deadline, but only through transactions that lower their salary commitments.
With James opting for a two-year deal with a player option for the second year, the Lakers have the flexibility to retain their draft assets and begin planning for a future beyond James if no clear opportunities arise to make a significant change by the deadline.