Trade & FA 2025-26: Free Agency Starts 5pm CST/6pm EST

[omahen]

Lakers have a tricky path to build a contender.  I think a big and some wing depth are most haves.  As mentioned, they need to look further out.  It is difficult to do that with Lebron though.  He is still really good...just hard to do it for a long playoff series now.  Question...would it be better for the Lakers if Lebron opted out and signed somewhere else next year?  I don't think this happens at all, but would that be better in anyway?

I can tell you one thing though, I am not looking forward to the monster season Luka is going to probably have next year.  If it doesn't happen next season, I will be very, very suprised.  Still really weird to not feel like I can root for Luka.  Just a really sucky spot.  Still a lot of mixed emotions.

While LeBron is posting incredible numbers for a 40 year old, his age did show a lot. I think he was the only all-nba team member with a negative on/off numbers. He is not able to carry the team anymore without a co-star. 

I don't think Lakers can be better next season if LeBron opts out. They would only have some 15 mil in cap space and limited ways to replace him. In this kind of situation it would likely be best to tank next season and then build around Luka and the high 2026 pick. Lakers are currently positioned to have max cap space without LeBron in 2026 and this is where they could replace him if they play it smart in next season. Actually best outcome for Lakers would be if Bron would request a trade, as he would still fetch a decent return. But, I don't think that would happen. I fully expect he will finish his career in LA. I think he will take his option this season. Afterwards, as long as he is on a max deal, it will be difficult to build a team. I hope Lakers don't resign him for another 1+1 deal with a no trade clause. If I am Luka, this would be a signal to slowly start looking for a destination where I would most likely be able to get several rings in my prime. 

I have similar expectations for Luka next season, although I will not be terribly dissapointed if it doesn't happen. It's his life and he is a human being with his positives and negatives. Still a very fun player to watch and best Slovenian player ever.