Lakers' Updated NBA Salary Cap Space Ahead of Free Agency After LeBron James' Decision to Leave LA

The Los Angeles Lakers have about $50 million in cap space to find a starter who can replace LeBron James.

The Lakers are set to have $52 million in projected cap space following James' anticipated departure, per ESPN's Bobby Marks.

That includes a hold for Reaves' four-year, $185 million max extension, according to Marks.

James is a pending unrestricted free agent. According to ESPN's Shams Charania via player agent Rich Paul, James has informed the Lakers he will be playing elsewhere next season.

The Lakers will now have the cap space to target a center who can add depth to a position currently staffed only by Deandre Ayton after Marcus Smart declined his player option to test free agency.

One potential option is Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren, who ESPN's Dave McMenamin recently reported is scheduled to meet with the team Tuesday.

Duren, who played last season in the final year of his rookie contract, is a pending restricted free agent. He is eligible for a five-year, $287.1 million extension with the Pistons, per The Athletic's Sam Amick.

The Lakers could sign Duren to an offer sheet, which the Pistons would then have the chance to match. The Pistons could also move Duren as part of a sign-and-trade should team and player not reach compromise on an extension.

The Lakers have also looked into a potential move for Utah Jazz center Walker Kessler, according to a previous report from McMenamin.

Kessler is also a pending restricted free agent, so the Jazz could match any offer sheet. Amick reported earlier this month, however, that Kessler is "at odds with the front office" over previous contract negotiations.

By using the cap space left behind after James' departure to upgrade at center, the Lakers could hope to add a player who complements Luka Dončić in order to build a postseason contender around him and Reaves next fall.