“`html
Quick Bytes
- The Los Angeles Lakers have a full roster with 15 players, including new rookies.
- Lakers may trade to clear roster space, with a preference to keep Jaxson Hayes over Christian Wood and Cam Reddish.
- Hayes is favored due to his performance and the Lakers’ need for a center.
- The Lakers show interest in free agents Gary Trent Jr. and Spencer Dinwiddie.
Lakers’ Offseason Moves: Prioritizing Jaxson Hayes and Eyeing Free Agents
The Los Angeles Lakers have maintained a steady roster this offseason, with the only changes being the addition of rookies Dalton Knecht and Bronny James. With a full 15-player roster, any further adjustments would require trades to free up space.
LeBron James’ recent contract adjustment helps the Lakers stay below the CBA’s second apron, potentially opening up a taxpayer mid-level exception. To utilize this, the Lakers might offload minimum salary players, possibly attaching draft assets. General Manager Rob Pelinka’s player options to Jaxson Hayes, Christian Wood, and Cam Reddish last summer means they are all under contract for the 2024-25 season, but the Lakers reportedly prefer to retain Hayes over the others.
Jaxson Hayes’ strong second-half performance last season and the Lakers’ need for a solid center make him a valuable asset. Despite not being the ideal size to guard top-tier big men like Nikola Jokic, Hayes’ energy off the bench is crucial for the team.
Clearing roster spots would allow the Lakers to pursue free agents, with Gary Trent Jr. and Spencer Dinwiddie being potential targets. These moves would be facilitated by the taxpayer mid-level exception, which is slightly over $5 million.
Source link
“`
