Let’s explore three diverse 10-man lineup possibilities that the Los Angeles Lakers could assemble this offseason.
According to the latest rumors, the Los Angeles Lakers and New Orleans Pelicans will make the Anthony Davis deal official on July 6th. If Anthony Davis waives his trade kicker, LA will have $27.7 million to spend on building a roster during the offseason.
The Lakers also have two more resources at their disposal; the room exception ($4.76 million) and veteran minimum deals, both of which Rob Pelinka can use if he wants to go over the salary cap and into the luxury tax.
Rob Pelinka reportedly wants to continue to gut the roster and try to trade Moritz Wagner, Isaac Bonga, and Jermarrio Jones in order to carve out a spot for a third max player or to add another high-quality role player to the roster.
However, it’s not clear whether other teams will help out the Lakers and take on LA’s three underwhelming players so that Pelinka can try and build a super team.
The Lakers have three realistic scenarios on the table this offseason:
- LA can’t dump Wagner, Bonga, and Jones, leaving Rob Pelinka with just under $28 million to fill out the roster.
- LA clears enough cap space to sign a max free agent and actually lands a superstar this offseason.
- LA opens up $32 million, but can’t manage to lure a max free agent.
Let’s delve into each possible outcome.