Luka Dealt to Lakers: Nico Harrison is a Basketball Terrorist

[F Gump]

One more on Lakers cap situation in 2026. Assuming Luka resigns, they only have roughly 70 mil on the books on guaranteed deals as it is now. According to Spotrac, the projected cap limit is at 170 mil that year. This leaves Lakers 100 mil to play with in free agency. A lot of money left for LeBron (or Reaves) and still have max cap space. 2026 free agent class is weak and good players rarely make it to free agency anyway. I think the goal is to have max flexibility for a trade for a star that will ask out of his current team (preferably on an expiring deal for higher leverage). Giannis, Booker, Mitchel as a few names to consider. Jokic fits the expiring contract part, but I think he will end his career in Denver.

I assume Lebron will demand the max, and get it, if he is still playing. (I have a hard time envisioning him being willing to be the 3rd highest paid player on the roster, and making about half the max.) If he retires, that fixes their problem, but isn't the sales pitch about playing on a super team with both Luka and Lebron?

Cap calculation for signing a free agent:
Luka 51
LBJ 60
Already Under Contract (2 players) 17
8 empty slot holds  13
TOT (12 players)  141

Last player = about 29