The Los Angeles Lakers welcome a new rookie within its circle! After receiving the option to pick the 17 pick in the first round of the NBA Draft, the franchise selected the 6 foot 5 small forward Dalton Knecht. While speculation was running rampant that the Lakers would pick Bronny James, son of lead scorer LeBron James, they picked the sharp shooter who has over 5 years of college basketball experience backing him. Unfortunately, bringing in such an experienced athlete comes at a cost. With a generous offer having reportedly been made to the player, the Lakers now put themselves at risk.

According to a recent report by Spotrac, Dalton Knecht is expected to sign a rookie deal that will pay him over $18.53 million over the course of four years. The same figure was also highlighted by ON3. As a result, he now possesses the 17 highest contract out of all the other draft picks of the first round. Given that the next player selected by the Lakers will be the 55 overall pick, the salary of that individual may be less than half of what Knecht has received. Even then, however, the Lakers are in trouble.

According to the franchise’s financial summary for the 2024-25 season, they are already set to spend over $220 million on the salaries of their top 12 players. A majority of this is being given to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, whose combined salaries are costing the franchise $94.6 million.

With their earlier commitments, the Lakers have already crossed the newly implemented ‘Second Apron’ limit. According to the terms established by the rule, any franchise crossing the $189.5 million limit for salaries can only acquire players who are willing to come in under minimum deals. Furthermore, it would impose heavy fines on the franchises, depending on just how far they go over the limit.

It is the same situation that the Phoenix Suns were dealing with back in April and something that Timberwolves minority owner Alex Rodriguez was looking to avoid. Unfortunately, instead of looking to reduce the amount in their salary commitments, the two draft picks will just add on to it. This will create a huge problem for the franchise in the aftermath of the 2024-25 season, both in terms of player choices and fines.

LeBron James entering free agency can save the Lakers

Fortunately, there is a way for the Lakers to get out of this precarious position. Unfortunately, it would involve bidding adieu to their star player, All-Time NBA Leading Scorer LeBron James.

With his current six-year contract with the Lakers coming to an end, LeBron James has the player option to continue on with the franchise for $51.4 million for the season. However, given that the deadline is approaching fast, and the player still hasn’t accepted the extension, there is a good chance that he may end up entering free agency. This would save the Lakers from forking out the mid-eight figure and preventing them from paying any extra fine.

The chances of LeBron James not continuing with the Lakers seem more probable than before. Under the guidelines of the Over-38 Rule, he cannot sign on for more than three years. Furthermore, given the high probability that his son Bronny can be picked by any franchise, the 39-year-old seems to be keeping his options open. After all, he has reportedly expressed his desire to play alongside his son at least once before retirement. Unfortunately, bidding adieu to LeBron would reduce the Lakers’ standing and cause them to reinvent themselves.

The next few days will determine the future for the Lakers and members of its roster. Do you believe that the franchise will be able to solve its financial dilemma? Let us know in the comments down below.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.