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.

Assuming Luka (which I do not), there is max money for new guy or for LeBron, but not both. It's about a max and a half. 

I don't think LBJ would be willing to be the guy getting the half max, and being the 3rd highest paid player. If he plays, in his mind he's the guy, and he gets paid like it. 

I don't think LA says no to LBJ wishes.

If LBJ retires, the door opens. That's their solution, but I think they intend to give him the full Kobe (max money as long you'll be in uni for us) until he's ready to quit. LA understands what Nico does not -- when a player sells a massive number of tix, you milk that until he drops.