The Los Angeles Lakers have already made massive changes to their roster this season, but they could complete their roster renovation this summer. After all, despite having traded for Luka Doncic this season, they are still in need of an upgrade at starting center.
They could also use more depth at guard, and fortunately for the Lakers, they could have the assets needed to do so. It will take some maneuvering, however. They have limited access to draft picks, though they were able to keep one of them by rescinding the Mark Williams deal.
That could help the Lakers this summer as they try to build a more complete roster around Doncic, superstar LeBron James, and Austin Reaves. It will cost them, but it's workable according to NBA expert John Hollinger of The Athletic.
NBA Rumors: Lakers planning to use CBA loophole to unlock big asset
Hollinger reports that the Lakers and Dorian Finney-Smith could agree to a new contract in which he opts out of the final year of his deal and then signs for a long-term deal for less annually.
He is set to make $15.3 million next season, but with him being 32 years old, he could agree to take a short-term discount to secure his bag long term. That could potentially include him signing a four-year deal for around $50 million, which would save the Lakers at least $4 million next season.
They could also get LeBron to opt out and take a slight pay cut to ensure they will have enough space under the luxury tax to be able to use their full midlevel exception (MLE). That would give them access to the $15 million MLE, which would allow them to make major roster upgrades.
Been saying for a month now: The Lakers should be full-court pressing for Nickeil Alexander-Walker on the mid-level. He is the perfect 3-and-D guard for a Luka/LeBron/Austin team. Sign him, trade for your center and you're golden. https://t.co/Ic7tuKmUmE
— Sam Quinn (@SamQuinnCBS) March 28, 2025
According to CBS' Sam Quinn, that could include signing Nickeil Alexander-Walker and trading for a center such as Clint Capela. Capela will be a free agent, but they could work out a sign-and-trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
Or, perhaps, they could get a ring chaser. Maybe Capela is even willing to take a pay cut to ensure he ends up on the Lakers. After all, he would be guaranteed to start and play a big role as a rim protector, rebounder, and roll man.
Just the Lakers having a chance to use the full MLE and also make a trade could be a game changer. Few playoff teams have access to that exception, let alone one with three stars and only a couple of holes they need to fill.
If they can get Finney-Smith and perhaps even LeBron to opt out and take less to re-sign, then they could have the tools needed to make big moves this summer.