The Los Angeles Lakers took a conservative approach at this year’s trade deadline - and that’s by design. Their only move?
Swapping Gabe Vincent for Luke Kennard in a deal with the Atlanta Hawks, along with a 2032 second-round pick. It wasn’t flashy, and it didn’t shake up the roster, but the Lakers weren’t aiming for a midseason splash.
They’re playing the long game, and all signs point toward one target: cap space in the summer of 2026.
General manager Rob Pelinka has made it clear through his actions - both last offseason and now - that he's not interested in taking on long-term salary commitments unless the fit is perfect. Kennard, like Vincent, is on an expiring $11 million deal, which made the trade a clean financial swap. It keeps the books tidy and the flexibility intact.
And that flexibility is significant. As things stand, the Lakers are projected to have around $48.5 million in cap space for the 2026 offseason - one of the highest figures in the league.
According to cap expert Yossi Gozlan, only the Bulls are in a similar range, depending on their decisions with Jaden Ivey. For the Lakers, that number includes some key assumptions and cap holds, but the takeaway is clear: they’re in position to make a major move if the right opportunity arises.
Let’s break down how that cap space is structured.
The Reaves Factor
Austin Reaves carries a $20.9 million cap hold into the summer, and while he’s expected to sign a longer-term deal with the Lakers at a higher salary, that cap hold won’t impact their flexibility. Thanks to his Bird Rights, L.A. can go over the cap to re-sign him - a crucial tool for teams looking to retain talent while still chasing external upgrades.
Ayton, Smart, and Other Options
The projections also include player options for Deandre Ayton ($8.1 million) and Marcus Smart ($5.4 million). If either declines their option - or if the Lakers choose not to bring them back - that money comes off the books, potentially opening up even more space. However, if the Lakers wanted to re-sign either player for more than 120% of their current salary, they’d have to dip into that cap space to do it.
Bronny’s Guarantee Date
Bronny James is on a partially guaranteed deal worth just over $2.2 million. The Lakers could create about $1 million in additional space by waiving him before his guarantee date on June 29. It’s a small lever, but in the cap game, every dollar counts - especially when you’re chasing a max slot.
Who’s Already Locked In?
The Lakers’ 2026 cap sheet includes guaranteed money for Luka Dončić, Jarred Vanderbilt, Jake LaRavia, Adou Thiero, and their 2026 first-round pick. That’s the foundation they’re working with - a mix of star power, role players, and youth - and it gives them some flexibility to build around whatever marquee name they might chase this summer.
It’s also worth noting that trades could still reshape the landscape. The draft and the weeks leading up to free agency often bring movement, and the Lakers could look to clear additional space or acquire assets that align with their long-term vision. But as it stands now, they’re positioned just shy of a full max salary slot - enough to make a serious run at a top-tier free agent.
Who Could the Lakers Target?
With that kind of cap space, the Lakers will have options - and a few intriguing names could hit the open market. Here’s a breakdown of some potential targets, grouped by position. LeBron James, who’s set to become an unrestricted free agent himself, isn’t included in this list, though a return on a team-friendly deal remains a possibility.
Guards
- Fred VanVleet (Player Option): A veteran floor general who brings leadership and playoff experience.
- Norman Powell (UFA): A proven scorer off the bench or in a starting role.
- Lu Dort (Team Option): One of the better perimeter defenders in the league.
- Matisse Thybulle (UFA): Another defensive specialist with upside.
- Quentin Grimes, Ayo Dosunmu, Jose Alvarado (All UFAs): Young guards with room to grow and fill key rotation roles.
Forwards
- Andrew Wiggins (Player Option): A two-way wing who’s thrived in the right system.
- Tobias Harris (UFA): A steady scorer who can stretch the floor at the four.
- Draymond Green (Player Option): Brings championship pedigree and defensive IQ.
- Jonathan Kuminga (Team Option): Athleticism and upside, though he may not hit the market.
- John Collins (UFA): A stretch big who could fit alongside a traditional center.
- Tari Eason, Peyton Watson (RFAs): High-energy young forwards with defensive chops.
Centers
- Isaiah Hartenstein (Team Option): One of the more underrated bigs in the league.
- Mitchell Robinson (UFA): A rim protector and rebounder with playoff experience.
- Moe Wagner, Nick Richards (UFAs): Solid rotation bigs who can provide frontcourt depth.
- Walker Kessler (RFA): A rising star defensively, though likely to be retained.
- Day’Ron Sharpe (Team Option), Sandro Mamukelashvili (Player Option): Developmental bigs with flashes of potential.
The Big Picture
The Lakers didn’t make waves at the deadline, but that wasn’t the point. This front office is playing chess, not checkers - and their cap sheet is the board. With nearly $50 million in projected space, Bird Rights on Austin Reaves, and a few key decisions looming, the Lakers are setting the stage for a pivotal summer.
Whether they land a star, retool around their current core, or make a surprise move, they’ve given themselves options. And in today’s NBA, that’s a win in itself.