07-19-2025, 07:07 PM
Two general ways Lakers can clear room for full BaE Smart will reportedly get:
Option 1: waive Goodwin, who is guaranteed for only 20k. This move would get them at 14 players with Smart and basically zero room to do anything else unless they are sending out more salary than receiving in a trade. They will be right at the apron and will not be even able to sign a vet min guy to that 15th spot. Also, Goodwin was a very pleasant surprise last season, 2-way guy converted to a regular deal after showing some really good performances. Hustles, plays defense, limited on offense (which showed in playoffs). Still, a useful 9th or lower rotation guy on vet min.
Option 2: trade where they get at least 3 mil less salary back. My favorite would be trading Knecht to someone space and receiving a SRP. Lakers could desperately need something like a Knecht breakthrough season, but his summer league was bad. If someone is willing to pay a decent SRP, I would probably take it. Next one could be dumping Maxi or Vincent with a SRP attached. They could get some salary back, hopefully someone at least semi useful. After that we could have a larger and more impactful trade, but I am not really expecting it.
Option 1: waive Goodwin, who is guaranteed for only 20k. This move would get them at 14 players with Smart and basically zero room to do anything else unless they are sending out more salary than receiving in a trade. They will be right at the apron and will not be even able to sign a vet min guy to that 15th spot. Also, Goodwin was a very pleasant surprise last season, 2-way guy converted to a regular deal after showing some really good performances. Hustles, plays defense, limited on offense (which showed in playoffs). Still, a useful 9th or lower rotation guy on vet min.
Option 2: trade where they get at least 3 mil less salary back. My favorite would be trading Knecht to someone space and receiving a SRP. Lakers could desperately need something like a Knecht breakthrough season, but his summer league was bad. If someone is willing to pay a decent SRP, I would probably take it. Next one could be dumping Maxi or Vincent with a SRP attached. They could get some salary back, hopefully someone at least semi useful. After that we could have a larger and more impactful trade, but I am not really expecting it.