Lakers Off-Season Plans | Lakers Free Agency | Lakers NBA Draft 2023

#Lakers Off-Season Plans | #LakersFreeAgency | Lakers #nbadraft 2023

The Los Angeles Lakers had one of the most impressive mid-season turnarounds in NBA history from spending most of the year in 13th place to making the Western Conference Finals. They couldn’t reach their ultimate goal of winning a championship, but this team will be greatly remembered by fans as a favorite in recent history.

Now the Lakers head into the offseason with a ton of optionality on the make-up on the roster. The prevailing thought after completing a busy trade deadline was that the Lakers would likely stay over the cap and run back the entire roster. But as they got deeper into the postseason, their rotation tightened and several new additions were squeezed out. The Lakers will likely look to prioritize bringing back key players while using their remaining flexibility and trade assets to improve the rest of the roster.

One of the bigger questions surrounding the Lakers heading toward the summer of 2023 is whether or not they would be a cap space team. They are still positioned to generate as much as $33 million, which could put them in the mix for one of the top free agents like Kyrie Irving. But the Lakers seem more likely to operate over the cap this offseason since the cap space route would decimate their depth. The over-the-cap option would allow them to keep role players under contract and re-sign their top free agents.

The increased costs to run back this roster could guide them to reshape it in a more cost-effective way. The biggest factor that could lead to that decision is how several of their highest-paid players not factoring in the playoffs. They have outs on some of the players they acquired at the trade deadline like Malik Beasley and Mo Bamba. The Lakers have the option to clear their salaries off their books or potentially trade them for players that fit their needs.

The Lakers could still swing for a major contributor without needing to use cap space. For example, if Irving is indeed interested in joining the Lakers, it would make more sense for them to acquire him in a sign-and-trade. Such a framework could include trading draft picks and the salaries of Beasley and Bamba, or a double sign-and-trade featuring Russell. A starting salary in the $33-34 million range for Irving would allow the Lakers to fill out their roster under the first apron while being able to re-sign Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, and potentially Lonnie Walker IV or a replacement with a portion of the mid-level exception.

Austin Reaves - no explanation needed. We can ALL agree he needs to be re-signed. The Lakers are limited to offering him a 4 year/ $51M deal, but they can match higher offers from other teams. There's reportedly a very high chance he re-signs.

Rui Hachimura- restricted free agent. The Lakers are
"Quite eager" to re-sign him as well. He's an amazing defender and adds offense. Gotta bring him back.

D'Angelo Russell - despite what many of you think, the Lakers would NOT have made it to the WCF, let alone the playoffs without him. People are quick to forget. He had an immediate impact after the trade and played well in the first 2 rounds. Although he was non-existent in the WCF, I think he deserves another shot.

Dennis Schroder - absolute menace on defense. Has shown flashes on offense. Just needs to be consistent. He is important to this team. I say bring him back.

Lonnie Walker - solid role player who is needed. Injuries and mid-season trades bumped him out of the rotation but he took advantage of his opportunity when it came in the playoffs. He's capable of being a very good role player for US.

Malik Beasley - only reason why he's low on my list is because of his contract. He has 1 year/$16M left on his contract but there's a team option, meaning the Lakers can decline and he'd be a free agent. I believe that's too much and we can get better value. Malik had a rough first go around with the Lakers but still have faith that his shooting can help this team. Maybe a smaller contract.

A lot to look forward to Z Nation. This off-season is set to be an exciting one 👀 Stay tuned for more updates on the Lakers off-season plans on ZSPN.

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