The Lakers are, no doubt, looking to make some changes for the coming season. They are hoping and trying to convince their superstar, LeBron James, to stay back. However, it is a mystery until Bron reveals his decision. On the other hand, we do have a few prospective candidates who surely look to be on the trade horizon. And as those rumors surrounding the Purple & Gold get louder, Austin Reaves also indirectly finds his name on it.

No, no, there is no way the Lakers are letting go of one of their up-and-coming stars. But his buddy from Team USA in 2023 could be wearing an LA jersey soon. That is none other than the Brooklyn Nets star, Mikal Bridges. The Athletic’s Juvan Buha, via his podcast, Buha’s Block, spoke about the likelihood of such a deal.

“Mikal Bridges would be a great fit. He’s almost a middle path in between the three-star and supporting cast builds … He does have the history of being a 3-and-D roleplayer. On a given night he can shoulder more of the offensive burden, and I think it is a nice piece to have next to Anthony Davis long term.”

Los Angeles’ season ended early with a first-round playoff exit and the only good thing to come out was the In-Season Tournament championship. It was a given that a few role players would find themselves at the edge of trade. As per Buha, the foremost names that come up are Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura. “If you look at their cap sheet, and you look at who are the tradable guys, it’s Rui Hachimura, Jarred Vanderbilt, Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell—if he opts in—and Gabe Vincent.”

“The mid-size contracts those are the ones you cobble together to acquire another star or cobble together to acquire a higher-impact role player. The Lakers have to trade someone, and when looking at the mid-size salaries, the guy they would love to keep is Reaves. Everyone else is moveable, to an extent.” 

Austin Reaves’ position isn’t surprising, given he was arguably the 3rd-best player behind LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The 26-year-old worked hard to get here and stepped up when the team needed him. He finished the regular season with averages of 15.9 points and 5.5 assists, shooting 36.7% from downtown. The 2021 undrafted Arkansas native played all 82 games, starting 57. Not to mention, he was the perfect role player for LeBron, assisting as a secondary playmaker and a concrete perimeter shooter.

Therefore, unless the Lakers find themselves in a sticky situation-a worthwhile deal and Reaves so happens to be what the other side wants in return – ‘Hillbilly Kobe’ will continue in a Purple & Gold jersey. But how does this affect LA in the free agency trade market?

The Lakers are treading a thin line when it comes to finances

The short answer would be ‘No’. Los Angeles is not going to be a major factor in free agency. The reason is simple.

They are dangerously close to crossing their second tax apron threshold. The Lakers have an active roster for the 2024-25 season, totaling $181 million. Of course, that will be subject to change depending on whether Bron or D’Lo exercise or decline their player options.

The franchise is moving forward with the hope that ‘King James’ will continue in LA. When considering that, the next right move would be to get a 3rd star alongside LBJ and AD. And this is where a little shuffle in the role-player contracts comes into action. Hachimura is set to earn $17 million next season. Reaves has a scheduled salary of $12.9 million, Vincent will earn $11 million, and Vanderbilt will make $10.9 million.

We already saw how the Lakers don’t want to let go of Austin Reaves. So, leaving him off the hook, Rui, Gabe, and Vando’s exit would give the organization $38.9 million in outgoing salaries in a trade. Of course, that is a void in role players. However, it would enable them to get a third-star player to pair with Davis and James.

Changes will happen, for sure. However, James’s decision is a major one. We’ll have to wait and see.

Before you go, another matter foremost in our mind is about our beloved Inside the NBA crew. While many are sure they are going to be disbanded, Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, thinks otherwise. To know more about his comments, watch this video.