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Lakers signing this All-NBA free agent is more likely after latest cap moves

By Jason Reed

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 06: Head coach Darvin Ham (L) and vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers talk before a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 06: Head coach Darvin Ham (L) and vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers talk before a preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers took the first step (after the 2023 NBA Draft) to building out the roster for the 2023-24 season. Los Angeles waived Mo Bamba on Thursday’s deadline and also rejected Malik Beasley’s player option, making him a free agent.

Bamba and Beasley were not expected to be in Los Angeles next season at their respective price points but it was surprising that the Lake Show could not find a trade. In theory, both assets were valuable for teams looking to free up money this season or get rid of an expensive multi-year contract.

Instead, the Lakers simply let both players walk and now have more cap space to spend in free agency. While this is good for the likes of Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura and (maybe) D’Angelo Russell, it also could be foreshadowing the arrival of a more expensive All-NBA player.

Lakers signing Draymond Green is more likely after Malik Beasley, Mo Bamba news

Are the Lakers guaranteed to sign Draymond Green? Absolutely not. Even though Green declined his player option for the 2023-24 season the Warriors are still probably the favorites to sign Green this offseason.

That being said, the connections between Green and the Lakers are very obvious. Green is really good friends with LeBron James and is represented by the same agency, Klutch Sports Group. As Lakers fans are fully aware, Klutch does have an influence on the moves the Lakers make.

Green is going to be an expensive signing but is not going to break the bank. He rejected a $27.6 million option for next season and his price will be very similar. Green isn’t looking for a much larger payday, he is looking to guarantee more years that he will get paid.

A three-year, $85 million contract ($28.3 million a year) would probably be enough for Green. Los Angeles just freed up $27.8 million in cap space by letting both Bamba and Beasley walk. The Lakers may have to sacrifice being able to use the full MLE but they can still sign Green and retain both Reaves and Hachimura.

Is it the best basketball fit? Definitely not. Most Lakers fans likely want Green to stay far away from LA and for good reason. While he would add a solid defensive presence, he is a zero on the offensive end. There is no need for the Lakers to add someone like Green when they have someone who is 70% of him already in Jarred Vanderbilt for a fraction of the cost.

But as we all know, NBA teams don’t often make the best moves and Green’s connection to LeBron could be enough to influence the Lakers to “go for it all” this summer.

Next. 22 players the Lakers gave up on too early. dark

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