The Los Angeles Lakers are just $45,000 below the second apron after signing LeBron James to a two-year, $101.35 million contract, according to NBA salary expert Bobby Marks. This figure is crucial as it places the Lakers in a strategic but delicate financial position regarding roster management and potential trades for the upcoming season.
The NBA’s second apron is a critical threshold within the league’s salary cap structure. Teams that exceed this limit face stringent restrictions that affect their flexibility in trades, sign-and-trade deals, and future draft considerations.
By being just $45,000 below this threshold, the Lakers have positioned themselves to avoid these harsh penalties, which include limitations on using the taxpayer mid-level exception and trading future first-round picks.
LeBron James’ decision to accept a contract slightly below the maximum he was eligible for ($104 million) has provided the Lakers with a narrow but crucial financial breathing room. The $3 million concession from LeBron is not just a gesture of goodwill but a strategic move that allows the Lakers to stay competitive under the current financial constraints.
3 Trade Scenarios For The Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers’ proximity to the second apron means they must be exceptionally careful with any roster moves, particularly trades. Here are a few potential scenarios and their implications:
Jerami Grant
The Lakers could trade for Jerami Grant, who has a substantial salary of $29.8 million. To stay below the second apron, they would need to send out more salary than they take in. A potential trade package could include Rui Hachimura ($17.0 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.0 million), Jalen Hood-Schifino ($3.8 million) and two first-round picks.
This deal would keep the Lakers under the $188.9 million limit, allowing them to acquire significant talent without breaching the second apron. However, this deal would also likely require the inclusion of one or two first-round picks to entice the Trail Blazers to part with Grant.
Collin Sexton And Walker Kessler
Another viable option for the Lakers is to trade for Collin Sexton and Walker Kessler. A trade package involving D’Angelo Russell ($18.7 million), Rui Hachimura ($17.0 million), and Jalen Hood-Schifino ($3.8 million) could facilitate this deal.
This scenario would not only keep the Lakers below the second apron but also provide significant defensive upgrades and depth at the guard position. This trade, while not adding a superstar, would balance the roster and improve overall team performance.
Trae Young
In a more ambitious scenario, the Lakers could target Trae Young ($43.0 million) However, this trade would require a substantial package: D’Angelo Russell ($18.7 million), Rui Hachimura ($17.0 million), Gabe Vincent ($11.0 million), two first-round picks, three pick swaps, and three second-round picks.
Given that the Hawks recently traded for DeJounte Murray, they are unlikely to part with their star point guard unless they decide to commit to a full rebuild. This makes the Trae Young trade highly improbable, though not impossible.
Being below the second apron by $45,000 allows the Lakers to maintain strategic flexibility. They can engage in trades and roster adjustments without immediately incurring severe penalties. However, this margin is extremely tight, and any new acquisitions or salary increases must be managed with precision.
LeBron James‘ decision to take a slight pay cut has provided the Lakers with a crucial financial edge. This small margin below the second apron allows the team to explore various trade scenarios to strengthen their roster without facing punitive restrictions. Whether targeting Jerami Grant, Collin Sexton, or even considering a bold move for Trae Young, the Lakers have some room to maneuver.
However, they must exercise extreme caution and strategic foresight to maximize their potential while staying under the second apron, ensuring they remain competitive in the highly challenging NBA landscape.
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