Lakers Notes: Cap math, Kawhi scenarios, offseason targets

The Lakers’ financial picture could shift quickly depending on decisions from Austin Reaves, Deandre Ayton, and Marcus Smart.

As Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron outlines, those player options and cap holds will dictate just how aggressive L.A. can be once free agency opens.

One of the more speculative but fascinating scenarios involves Kawhi Leonard. Gozlan notes that if the NBA were to void Leonard’s contract stemming from the Aspiration scandal — including a potential ban from playing for the Clippers — the Lakers could theoretically absorb his $50.3 million salary into cap space while sending draft compensation and cap relief to their cross-town rivals.

• Gozlan also points to potential value plays if other teams are forced to cut costs. Denver’s Peyton Watson could become difficult for the Nuggets to retain, while Cam Johnson again might be expendable in the right deal if draft compensation is attached.

• Center Jalen Duren is another name to watch. If the Pistons balk at his next contract after a breakout season, Gozlan suggests it would take an aggressive offer sheet — potentially approaching Duren’s $44.6 million annual max — for a team like the Lakers to have a real shot.

• Sunday night was supposed to be a celebration, as the Lakers honored Pat Riley with a statue unveiling. Instead, the on-court product fell flat. After a 111–89 loss, coach JJ Redick didn’t mince words, calling the Lakers “just awful offensively,” per Benjamin Royer of The Orange County Register.