8 major winners and losers from a frenzied first two weeks of free agency
By Cal Durrett
Losers: Los Angeles Lakers
Although they have seemingly been linked to just about every free agent or trade candidate, the Los Angeles Lakers have yet to make a major off-season move. To their credit, they did have a good draft, taking a player in Dalton Knect, whom many saw as a top-10 selection, with the 17th pick and getting Bronny James 55th without having to move up in the draft.
However, by signing Bronny James to an outlandish rookie contract, they find themselves very close to the second apron, making it much harder to make moves. This despite him likely spending most of next season playing in the G League. LeBron James did take less than his max to give them room to maneuver under the second apron to make trades for the likes of Bruce Brown, Brook Lopez, or Jerami Grant possible.
If they can acquire one of those players, then maybe the Lakers could salvage what has thus far been a lackluster summer for them after fans were hoping that they would pursue Donovan Mitchell, Dejounte Murray, or Trae Young. However, so far, they will have to settle for Knect and Bronny.