Marcus Smart signing could spell disaster for LeBron James, Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers brought in some toughness and defensive versatility with the addition of Marcus Smart.

However, they're now going to have to play financial Jenga. As reported by Bryan Toporek of Silver Screen and Roll, they won't have a lot of money to make any more moves.

"After waiving (Shake) Milton and (Jordan) Goodwin and signing Smart, the Lakers now sit $1.1 million below the first apron. Since they’re hard-capped, they cannot cross the first apron under any circumstance between now and June 30, 2026," Toporek wrote.

As a result, the Lakers' best hope for help will come once the buyout market starts to take shape.

"Since they’re only $1.1 million under the first apron, they currently don’t have enough room below the hard cap to sign anyone to even a veteran-minimum contract. They’d have to shed salary in a trade before they can make another free-agent signing," he added.

That's not necessarily what LeBron James might want to hear. His agent, Rich Paul, claimed that he wanted to pursue another championship and that they would assess the team's roster to determine his future.

This team got marginally better, but it still needs to add a defensive-minded big man, since JJ Redick didn't seem to trust Jaxson Hayes in the playoffs last season. 

The Western Conference is as stacked as it's ever been, and it will take more than what the Lakers have to keep up with other powerhouses.

So, unless Rob Pelinka works his magic with another shocking trade, James will have to weigh all of his options.