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The Lakers were looking to add shots and plays to the trade deadline – that’s why interest in Kyle Lowry, but the deal didn’t go through, possibly because the Lakers wouldn’t pitch Talen Horton-Tucker.
Lowry won’t be coming to Los Angeles this summer – he’s reportedly asked for a free agent deal that starts at $ 25 million a year, and the Lakers can offer $ 5.9 million (and a signing and swapping deal caps the Lakers, creating more problems) – and neither does Ben Simmons. Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein wrote about it in his new subscription newsletter.
Word is that the Lakers, in addition to their well-known need for more shots, are coveting another playmaker who would make the difference that would allow James and Davis to spend more time up front and center.
There’s a lot of smoke surrounding the idea that the Lakers are open to trading Kyle Kuzma, perhaps with the No.22 pick, to help out, though it’s fair to wonder. if this package earns a player much better than Kuzma (it’s not getting them into Simmons’ conversation). Still, expect a lot of rumors (Stein says he expects rumors about Lonzo Ball, but it’s very difficult to achieve financially, for the same reason as with Lowry).
The draw of competing, living in Los Angeles, and playing with LeBron James may bring in a veteran who wouldn’t normally take the mid-tier taxpayer exception, but it won’t be a big name.
The most likely offseason is for the Lakers to re-sign Dennis Schroder (although the Bulls and Knicks can run over him and offer him a bigger role, and other teams are also interested), Alex Caruso, Horton- Tucker, get somebody over for the intermediate level. Then Frank Vogel can go to church every day next season and light a candle to keep LeBron and Anthony Davis healthy.
GM Rob Pelinka will try to be more aggressive than that, but the Lakers are stuck with their current payrolls and the CBA, even though Jeanie Buss and the other owners are willing to pay more taxes.
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