Noted Journalist Urges Lakers to Clear Salary Cap Space & Use Mid-Level Exception for Reinforcements; Reddish and Wood Both Tradeable

This summer, the Los Angeles Lakers have largely maintained their core roster from last season, making no significant moves either in free agency or through trades. However, due to LeBron James’ pay cut and contract extension, the Lakers’ total payroll for next season will not exceed the second luxury tax threshold, enabling them to utilize the mid-level exception for reinforcement.

Nevertheless, if the Lakers wish to sign a new player using the $5.2 million mid-level contract, they still need to trim their salary expenses. In his report, renowned sports journalist Marc Stein wrote: To create sufficient cap space to ensure the availability of the $5.2 million mid-level contract, the Lakers are exploring options to reduce their payroll via trades, potentially including some second-round draft picks. Moreover, under the league’s new rules, since the Lakers’ total salary exceeds the first luxury tax threshold, they cannot bring in players through sign-and-trade deals.

According to reports, Cam Reddish and Christian Wood are the players the Lakers are “most likely” to part ways with in a trade. Both possess potential and are still relatively young, removing their salaries could free up enough room to sign an impactful player.

However, as many players have already opted to sign with other teams, if the Lakers do not clear cap space soon, their options will dwindle. As it stands, Gary Trent Jr. and Spencer Dinwiddie both seem like suitable fits for the Lakers.