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Los Angeles Lakers: 5 potential buyout targets after NBA trade deadline

By Jason Reed

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 19: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Avery Bradley #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on November 19, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 19: Dennis Schroder #71 of the Boston Celtics drives to the basket against Avery Bradley #20 of the Los Angeles Lakers at TD Garden on November 19, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

4. Derrick Favors

Derrick Favors was not traded at the deadline but now that it has passed and no team offered even a second-round pick for him he is a candidate to be bought out by the Oklahoma City Thunder. Favors is not getting a massive salary this season but a small-market team like the Thunder should look to save any money that they can.

It is a bit tricky with Favors and he would have to cooperate with the Thunder to make this happen. The veteran big man is making $9.7 million this season and has a player option for the 2022-23 season worth $10.1 million.

Favors is not going to get that much money in the open market so there is a chance that he simply wants to stay in OKC just to make that money. The Thunder could buy him out early and commit to paying that money next season or they could simply hold onto him right now with the intent of using him as a tradeable contract in the offseason.

However, if Favors wants out of OKC (wouldn’t blame him) then he could work with the team, deny his player option for next season and get bought out. This would give him a chance to contend, raise his value and try to sign a multi-year deal in the offseason.

Favors would be a solid big to put next to Anthony Davis and would work really well as a rolling big next to LeBron James. His floor spacing still is not the best but it is certainly better than both Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan. His presence in the frontcourt could actually help AD this season.

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