Los Angeles Lakers: 3 options for non-taxpayers mid-level exception

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers battles Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder for a loose ball during the first half of a game at Staples Center on November 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 19: Kyle Kuzma #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers battles Danilo Gallinari #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder for a loose ball during the first half of a game at Staples Center on November 19, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
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Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

Three options the Los Angeles Lakers could use their non-taxpayer mid-level exception on.

The Los Angeles Lakers will have some different options this offseason. One of them includes the impending resigning of star forward Anthony Davis. After that dominos will start to fall into place with the salary cap situation.

As we stand the Lakers are non-taxpayers which would put them at a $9,258,000 exception. If they were taxpayers that number drops significantly to $5,718,000. That is a huge difference and can mean a lot in terms of who will be available at that amount.

There are quite a few things to take place, such as re-signings, trades, cap holds being released and so forth. But the Lakers should be able to duck the tax while being able to fully utilize the mid-level exception.

Granted you’re not going to go out on the market and get a superstar. But there are quality players that money isn’t the number one priority on their mind. Living in California and playing for a championship contender is a huge perk for veterans.

There are quite a few players that have made it known winning at this point in their career is top priority. With the Lakers being 2021 NBA title favorites yet again. It will garner free agents from all sorts of talent levels.

The team could also choose not to use it as they’ve done in the past. But with LeBron James getting a year older and father-time still undefeated. Now is better than ever to keep the window open and go after it.

With the mid-level exception, you can sign anywhere between one and four years. With a five percent increase in salary each year.

So let’s take a look at some options.