It looks like Pelinka doesn't want to give him the years that he wants

but Rockets might

DFS could actually be gone smh

Rich Paul gave advance notice to both the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James' teammates before releasing a statement about James' championship aspirations alongside news that the superstar was exercising his $52.6 million player option for the 2025-26 season.

"I have been told by Rich he made it very well known to Luka and his representation, as well as the Lakers that these statements were coming," said Brian Windhorst on Monday's episode of The Hoop Collective Podcast.

"That this was done on a fully professional level and there is nothing meant to surprise anybody.

Windhorst also spoke with Paul on Sunday evening with James' agent standing by his statements.

"LeBron is very very likely not getting traded," concluded Windhorst.

basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/281112/Rich-Paul-Gave-Lakers-Luka-Doncic-Advanced-Notice-On-LeBron-Statement-Rest-Of-NBA-Surprised

Nevermind on Ayton

we are cooked smh

“Armed with the $14.1 million mid-level exception, the Lakers are expected to chase Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez and the Atlanta Hawks’ Clint Capela, with the surprise addition of Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton as another target on their list.”

nytimes.com/athletic/6462671/2025/06/30/lakers-free-agency-finney-smith-doncic

"The Lakers are not making calls gauging Austin Reaves’ trade value, one of the sources said.

As free agency begins, the Lakers are motivated not to sacrifice long-term flexibility as they begin to arm themselves for a potential run at another superstar to pair with Dončić as soon as next summer.

Reaves, who turned down a nearly $90 million extension last week, is viewed as a key piece alongside Dončić, the star the team is building around in the present and future."

so what do the lakers have to work with? is is the MLE and then vet mins deals ?

Just give him the years Rob. We get a whole new pocketbook next year

They have the Full MLE (they can split this) and the Biannual Exception

Then vet min deals

Sign a starting center with C

And probably DFS replacement for 5m… BAE or even a backup center

Have 4 roster spots. Would have 2 open spots for the vet min

Top guys for MLE
DeAndre Ayton C
Santiago Aldama C - Restricted
Brook Lopez C-
Nickeil Alexander-Walker SG-
Clint Capela C
Guerschon Yabusele PF/C
Ty Jerome SG/PG
Larry Nance C
Jordan Clarkson G
Quintin Grimes SG
Dennis Schroeder G

Probably have to use MLE on center

BAE 5M
Luke Kennard SG
Tim Hardway SG
Luke Kornet C
Bruce Brown SG
Jake LaRavia PF
Taurean Prince F
Tre Mann G
Kevon Looney C
Mason Plumlee C
Malcolm Brogdon SG
Kevin Porter Jr
Ben Simmons C/F
Paul Reed C
Dalano Banton SG
Trey Lyles PF
Thomas Bryant C
THT SG
Lonnie Walker SG
Dante Exum G
Eric Gordon SG
Gary Trent G
Brandon Boston G

Need to get DeAnthony Melton, perfect fit next to any of the big 3

I want De'Anthony Melton for the vet min

twin

Lonnie Walker or Jordan Clarkson for the vet min would be good too

Clarkson getting atleast the MLE

Keep on Clarkson, unplayable in the playoffs.

Yes to Lonnie

Give me

Ayton MLE
Gary Trent BPE
Orlando Robinson Vet min - backup center

Free agency officially starts

DFS is gone

Let’s see how rob responds with this cause this could be huge if he don’t have a plan