Trade & FA 2024-25:

[SleepingHero]

It was my understanding that they can't bring in anyone from the buyout market.  Maybe that is wrong?

The Lakers are able to sign buyout players, but because they are above the first apron, they are NOT allowed to sign any bought out players that were making a salary above 12.8 million dollars (the MLE for this year).

So the Lakers are able to sign any joe who was making less than 12.8mil on his previous contract. 

But usually, guys don't get bought out on very cheap contracts and those that do are usually ones you want to avoid at all costs.