The Lakers have 16 players with guaranteed contracts. The NBA allows them to keep 15.
You can probably see where this is headed.
Los Angeles has explored consolidation trades “quite a bit” this offseason, with Dalton Knecht and Jaden Hardy viewed as the two players most likely to be involved in such a deal, according to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints.
If the Lakers can’t find a trade they like, Siegel reports that Knecht and Hardy would also be the players most at risk of simply being waived before opening night, as relayed by Luke Adams of Hoops Rumors.
That’s not an especially comfortable way to begin training camp. Knecht is set to make about $4.2 million this season, while Hardy will earn $6 million. Both have team options for 2027-28, so neither comes with guaranteed money beyond this year.
The Lakers reportedly had an opportunity to make a two-for-one deal involving Buddy Hield before he eventually landed in Chicago, but passed.
Siegel mentioned Bulls big man Jalen Smith as the type of player who could make sense in a package involving Knecht, Hardy and minor draft compensation. There’s no indication, however, that the Lakers and Bulls are actually discussing such a trade.
So don’t start ordering Jalen Smith jerseys just yet. What we do know is considerably simpler: Los Angeles has one guaranteed contract too many. At some point before opening night, somebody has to go.
Looking for the latest NBA Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow Hoops Wire on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NBA News and Rumors for all 30 teams!
