Lakers Rumors: Reality of signing Kyle Lowry and DeMar Derozan

Jan 12, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan (10) comes down with a rebound against Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) at Scotiabank Arena. San Antonio defeated Toronto. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2020; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; San Antonio Spurs guard DeMar DeRozan (10) comes down with a rebound against Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) at Scotiabank Arena. San Antonio defeated Toronto. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
2 of 4
Lakers Rumors
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers Rumors get a little more clear after you pay the superstars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis! 

The most debated topic in the Lake Show Life comment sections for the past few weeks is the Lakers salary cap. There has been plenty of misinformation by some but Lake Show Life will break down the reality of the situation.

  • The top four earners on the Los Angeles Lakers (LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kyle Kuzma and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope) collect $102.6 million in salary.
  • As of this writing, there are potentially ten free agents on the roster.
  • The Lakers can offer a mid level exception of $9.7 million if they DON’T bring back any free agents.
  • With Montrezl Harrell reportedly considering to opt in to his player option (with the deadline to accept being July 31st), the exception DROPS to $5.9 million.
  • The Lakers can trade the 2021 first round pick after making the selection for the team they make the sign and trade deal with on draft night. Afterwards, they can’t make another trade until 2027. 

How much are they paying LeBron James and Anthony Davis?

About $76.2 million between the two of them. Then they have to start paying Kyle Kuzma’s three year extension at $13 million annually. KCP gets his $13 million, Marc Gasol looks like he will be back at $2,692,991, Alfonzo McKinnie has a team option at $1.9 million (Say goodbye to him!).

The Lakers have six unrestricted free agents to deal with including Dennis Schroder, whose name will be prominent throughout the rest of this article.

The Lakers have a salary cap number of $112,414,000 to deal with according to Sportrac.

Confused? Good. Now let’s go shopping and see how the Lakers can make Kyle Lowry a Laker and not just another chapter in Lakers rumors.