Lakers weigh perimeter fixes as hard cap tightens options
lakers-weigh-perimeter-fixes-hard-cap-tightens-options
The Los Angeles Lakers are hunting for perimeter help but have little financial room to maneuver, ESPN front-office analyst Bobby Marks reported.
Marks said the club is operating just $1.1 million below the NBA’s first apron and is hard-capped, sharply restricting trade flexibility. Despite the squeeze, Los Angeles carries more than $40 million in expiring contracts, giving the front office at least some leverage if the right deal surfaces.
Perimeter defense tops priority list
The Lakers rank third worst in opponent three-point percentage, a season-long problem the team hopes to address before the trade deadline. Any move will require balancing finances against roster needs, Marks noted.
Key contract decisions ahead
Forward Rui Hachimura is averaging 13.3 points on better than 53 percent shooting and is eligible for a four-year extension worth up to $114.5 million through June 30. A new deal at that number would consume a large portion of the franchise’s projected $50 million in 2024-25 cap space.
Guard Austin Reaves will soon face a player option of his own, while Gabe Vincent, Maxi Kleber, Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart are on contracts that either expire this summer or include flexible terms that could be bundled in trades.
Draft capital remains in play
Los Angeles holds either its 2031 or 2032 first-round pick, along with multiple future swap rights. Those picks offer additional currency, but the organization has little margin for error with the hard cap looming over every potential transaction.
Source: Hoops Wire
