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

[F Gump]

1  It was reported (Shams, if I remember correctly) that LBJ will pick his option. Things might change in a month, but so far we have that.

2 Lakers should know they can't build a contender around maxed out Bron and Luka is entering his prime, really wanting to win now. They can ride the LeBron train as he brings huge money, but Luka will imho walk in a couple of years if they choose this option. 

1 LBJ will opt out and then do another 1+1. He will take care of LBJ, as he should.

Shams is guessing out his azz, has no actual knowledge, and doesn't understand the nuances of contracts. He's great at reporting what HAS happened, but has always been fairly mediocre at assessing the road ahead.

2 I think you may be right about the impact of the money in LA, but it is what it is. They have 2 max players. They will have to keep paying them and hope for the best, and unlike NTI, they get it and will do so because that's their meal ticket. I agree that they need to keep Luka happy, but their options are going to be somewhat limited because the math is the math.

I actually think the Luka crossroads with LA will arrive in 2026. He will commit to some team then - that's his obvious window for a 2+1 to cover while he's still on the 30% limit. Then in 2028 he's set up to sign the monster supermax-max-max with that team for 5 years at 35% (his first eligible opportunity for that) that would be for about $418 million. (I wouldn't be surprised if Luka is game-planning for that to be his last contract.)

All of that is why I think LA will feel tremendous urgency this summer to get needs covered. I don't think they can fritter away a year and keep LBJ and Luka happy.