Lakers weigh cap options, monitor Kawhi Leonard scenario ahead of free agency
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The Los Angeles Lakers are mapping multiple offseason paths as pending player decisions and a possible league ruling on Kawhi Leonard could reshape their spending power, according to cap analyst Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron.
Gozlan notes that contract choices involving Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart will influence how much room Los Angeles has when free agency opens. Each player’s option or cap hold could tighten or expand the club’s flexibility.
Leonard contract uncertainty
A highly speculative but significant scenario centers on Leonard. If the NBA voids the forward’s deal with the Clippers because of the reported Aspiration endorsement scandal—an action that could also bar him from rejoining the Clippers—the Lakers could theoretically absorb his $50.3 million salary outright. Such a move would likely require sending draft picks and salary relief across town.
Potential value targets
Gozlan points to other players who could become attainable if their current teams trim payroll:
- Peyton Watson, Denver Nuggets: Rising cost pressures may make it difficult for Denver to keep the wing.
- Cam Johnson, Brooklyn Nets: Brooklyn could consider attaching assets to move the forward’s contract in the right trade package.
- Jalen Duren, Detroit Pistons: After a breakout season, the center could draw an offer sheet approaching his projected $44.6 million annual maximum; Gozlan believes an aggressive bid would be necessary for Los Angeles to contend.
Rough night on the court
While long-term planning dominates the front office, the Lakers stumbled Sunday during Pat Riley’s statue unveiling at Crypto.com Arena. Los Angeles fell 111–89, prompting head coach JJ Redick to describe the team as “just awful offensively,” The Orange County Register reported.
The Lakers’ ability to pivot quickly—whether through retaining current contributors or capitalizing on another club’s cap crunch—will become clearer once player options are finalized and the NBA clarifies Leonard’s status.
Source: Hoops Wire
