Examining Lakers' Salary Cap, Decisions for 2025 NBA Free Agency after Loss to Wolves
Although the season didn't end with the Los Angeles Lakers truly contending for a championship, the franchise had a productive year nonetheless.
Two words: Luka Doncic.
Yes, the Lakers hoped to compete for a title during the 2025 NBA playoffsโespecially after acquiring the superstar guard. They exited the postseason with a 5-game series loss to the Timberwolves.
The offseason will bring changes, of course, but Doncic's arrival has solidified the Lakers' outlook with LeBron Jamesโand, soon enough, without him.
Salary Cap
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The actual projected salary cap? That would be $154.6 million.
But in Lakers Land, the number means nothing. The more important levels are the luxury tax ($187.9 million) and first ($195.9 million) or second aprons ($207.8 million). The franchise will be much closer to that range.
As of today, according to HoopsHype, the Lakers have $189.2 million committed to the 11 players, tentatively, on the roster for next season.
So, while Los Angeles doesn't have a bunch of space to operate right now, the front office isn't yet hard-capped, either.
Top Contract Decisions
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The first two decisions are somewhat out of LA's hands. LeBron James and Dorian Finney-Smith hold player options for the 2025-26 campaign.
LeBron will likely decline his $52.6 million option, but it would be surprising if The King doesn't stick with the Lakers. He's showed no signs of looking elsewhereโparticularly with his son, Bronny James, now in the fold.
Finney-Smith, on the other hand, is a legitimate flight risk.
Because of his 3-and-D skill set, the veteran could be a coveted player on the open market. While he's due $15.4 million next season, perhaps Finney-Smith prefers long-term security even if that means taking a slight cut.
The final free agent to know is Jordan Goodwin, a 26-year-old reserve wing whose $2.3 million team option is worth exercising.
From there, any contract talks revolve around possible trades. Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber and Gabe Vincent will be nearing the final year of their agreements, and the Lakers were already willing to send out Dalton Knecht once.
Free Agents to Pursue
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Naturally, this conversation begins with LeBron. The full expectation is he'll remain with the Lakers, even if he declines the player option.
Really, the bigger question is whether he would actually be willing to accept a more substantial discount and help LA build around him and Doncic. James has done it before, although on smaller scales.
As with many other franchises, the mid-level exception dream probably is Nickeil Alexander-Walker. The three-and-D talent may become an even higher priority if Finney-Smith opts out and departs in free agency.
Otherwise, the Lakers' glaring need for a center has placed Clint Capela squarely on the radar. They'd be wise to re-sign Jaxson Hayes for a backup role, as well.
Finding a veteran ring-chaser is never a guarantee, but perhaps LA's proximity to title contention would convince Luke Kennard or Gary Trent Jr. to bolster the perimeter or Mason Plumlee in the frontcourt.
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