Unbelievable News Ever: Los Angeles Lakers Best player “LeBron James” was confirmed dead by the Doctor few minutes ago….
The Los Angeles Lakers have been idle throughout most of the offseason.
The team hasn’t signed anyone to standard NBA contracts outside of drafting Dalton Knecht (No. 17) and Bronny James (No. 55).
With a full roster of 15 players and a payroll under the second apron ($188.9 million) by about $45,000, the Lakers have been stymied by the new rules of the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement.
The only way the team can add is to subtract. And the one player L.A. seems most willing to part with is guard D’Angelo Russell.
Meanwhile, the Charlotte Hornets have collected enough talented players that the goal shouldn’t be bottoming out completely but allowing players like LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Mark Williams and rookie Tidjane Salaun (No. 6) to build winning habits.
Add the Utah Jazz to opportunistically facilitate a deal, and a multi-team trade could help all parties.
The Lakers don’t add a third star, but they get necessary depth, including the means to sign free-agent guard Markelle Fultz.
The Hornets improve now and, along with the Jazz, add draft capital and an experienced point guard in Vasilije Micić.
In hiring JJ Redick to coach the roster, the Lakers stressed the importance of player development.
The team needs to get younger and, frankly, cheaper with the new rules. Instead of chasing a 30-year-old veteran on a heavy, multi-year deal like Jerami Grant, L.A. breaks Russell’s contract into parts.
Mann, 23, was the No. 18 pick in 2021 and is a more-ready point guard prospect than Hood-Schifino.
He’s due an extension this summer, or the Lakers can wait for restricted free agency in 2025.
Richards, 26, is a legit 7’0″ center earning $10 million over the next two seasons (his second is non-guaranteed).
