Lakers set themselves up for cap flexibility, and a wide-open summer

The Lakers didn’t make a splash at the trade deadline, and that was very much the point.

According to Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron, Los Angeles’ decision to sit tight has positioned the franchise for a potentially aggressive — and flexible — summer. Even with Austin Reaves’ $20.9 million cap hold on the books (assuming he declines his option and tests free agency), the Lakers are projected to have roughly $47 million in cap space, plus access to the $9.4 million room mid-level exception.

That number could grow if Deandre Ayton ($8.1 million) and Marcus Smart ($5.4 million) decline their player options.

The dream scenario, of course, would be a trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo. But Gozlan is skeptical the Lakers can assemble a competitive package unless Giannis were to specifically push his way to L.A.

The Lakers can only trade three future first-round picks this summer, and even including Reaves in a sign-and-trade likely wouldn’t match what other suitors could offer.

In other words, the Lakers aren’t positioned for fantasy. They’re positioned for opportunity.

And sometimes, that’s the smarter play.