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\u2014in addition to Vanderbilt, LaRavia, Hardy and Knecht.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on X\/Twitter @EricPincus<\/a>.<\/p>\n