Lakers predicted to sign $82.5M defensive menace, Finals Champion to build alongside Luka Doncic
The Lakers would make huge noise if they could pull this free agency move off.
Lakers predicted to sign $82. 5M defensive menace, Finals Champion to build alongside Luka Doncic originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The Los Angeles Lakers are focused on building their future around Luka Doncic. They performed well this season and looked like legitimate contenders, but Doncic made it clear last summer that he wants to win now. “Dončić being just 26 gives the Lakers a far longer timeline to build a championship-contending team, but that doesn't mean they can slow down and take their time.
Dončić told Lakers president Rob Pelinka and coach JJ Redick in May that he's not interested in taking the slow approach in building a contender,” CBS Sports’ Jasmyn Wimbish wrote. The Lakers are planning a big summer to invest in Doncic during free agency. A rough estimate of $54 million is expected to be available.
“A more reasonable projection may be $54 million in cap room. However, the Lakers may look to deal their first-round pick, Dalton Knecht, Bronny James (to whatever team his father joins), and possibly Jarred Vanderbilt to maximize flexibility—or even land a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks via trade,” Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus wrote. The Lakers have several targets in mind, but one to watch closely is Oklahoma City Thunder ’s Lou Dort.