Instead of Randle, the Lakers could try to acquire his current teammate, Michael Porter Jr., from the Nets; however, a lack of assets and his $40.8 million salary this season make it prohibitive under L.A.’s first-apron hard cap. The math could work later in the year, but the Lakers would need to add Grimes or Mamukelashvili—in addition to Vanderbilt, LaRavia, Hardy and Knecht.
Getting large deals like that done during the regular season is complicated, as teams cannot take on more than 15 players under standard contracts. Porter isn’t a “no,” but a first-round pick swap and three seconds feels awfully light to Brooklyn.
The Lakers may be better off finding a team looking to get out of salary, like the Orlando Magic, who are surprisingly above the luxury tax threshold despite consistently avoiding penalties. Goga Bitadze would be a strong backup to Walker Kessler, though the Magic seem fond of the Georgian center.
The Denver Nuggets are the only team in the league above the second apron. Would they be willing to send Cam Johnson to Los Angeles? The Lakers would also need a third team to help the Magic or Nuggets reduce salary.
The Lakers would be reluctant to take on Jerami Grant’s $36.4 million option for 2027-28 from the Memphis Grizzlies. While Isaiah Stewart II would appeal, he’d be more expensive for L.A. to acquire. Similarly, the Pelicans want too much for Herb Jones.
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on X/Twitter @EricPincus.