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

[mvossman]

It was reported that he got a 2-year offer from Lakers, but declined it. Could be he was feeling lowballed

They also didn't lose him for nothing. They essentially "traded" him for Ayton and LaRavia. Staying under 1st apron also enables them to do a SnT. If they kept DFS, those moves would not be possible without paying assets to dump some of their expirings.

I actually like LA offseason so far. They plugged the biggest hole on the roster without giving up any asset. They are conservative with their assets, saving them to only be used for the right opportunity. They still severly lack wing defenders and athleticism. Rumors about Melton (up to BAE) and Brogdon (SnT). Assuming no home run deal is available, I wouldn't be opposed against something like Vincent+Knecht for Brogdon SnT. Saving more than enough money to open the full BAE in the process (I didn't check Washington salaries, but I assume they have sokme wiggle room to enable savings for Lakers), which would enable them to sign another decent FA (Melton?).

They kind of did give up an asset for Ayton if they "traded" Dorian for him.  Call me skeptical that Ayton works out.  I realize they were limited with what they can do, but I think they would have been better off holding onto Dorian (meaning competitive offer and no bush league) and trading for a P&R center.