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Lakers Rumors: Possible high-profile buyout candidates this summer

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 01: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers sits courtside before Game Five of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on June 01, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 01: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers sits courtside before Game Five of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on June 01, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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Lakers rumors
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Get used to a lot of Lakers rumors coming in the next few weeks because… the Lakers are salary cap-strapped!

Lake Show Life has just shown you a list of players that the Lakers should pursue assuming that these players are bought out. Hence, they are paid the veteran’s minimum to make a title run.

The buyout market worked well enough for the bubble season with Markieff Morris shining in the playoffs, while the Andre Drummond and Ben McLemore additions didn’t. Future buyout players have to fit the mantra of playing with LeBron James.

  • Must be a veteran of at least a decade (LeBron does not play well with non-veteran teams as 2019 attests!).
  • It will help if you have played with LeBron James on past teams (Remember the J.R. Smith signing last year?).
  • Tough enough to make opponents about hitting the floor when going to the basket (Dwight Howard?) while being able to protect AD from physicality and the 5 spot for extended periods of time.
  • Man, you had better be able to shoot if you can’t play defense…maybe Frank Vogel will realize that scoring more points is sometimes more important than just having a number one defense analytically! 

These are only theoretical players because there are so many other issues this team has to deal with.

Do they decide to extend Dennis Schroder or let him walk? If a sign and trade is in the works, what package will entice a team after the stink job he had in the playoffs? Oh Magic Johnson didn’t give the man the greatest endorsement either.

What about Alex Caruso? It’s being reported that the Cleveland Cavaliers are interested. Look, Caruso may love to play with LeBron, but love doesn’t pay the light bill. Money talks.

What about Talen Horton Tucker? Every team in the NBA wants him because his potential is through the roof. Chicago just made their intentions known this week.

What if Harrell opts into his deal?

Financially, Rob Pelinka is back in the spotlight. Don’t be surprised if the Lakers sign a lot of the roster back at a cheap price and try again.

If not, here are some low-risk, high-reward options.

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