The Lakers hold a contract expired with 110 million + 4 first rounds. How do the Lakers maximize this wealth?

The Lakers must not only win in the present, but also be afraid of missing out on the future

The Los Angeles Lakers' current lineup adjustment strategy looks like they are going to play the big game, using existing resources to attack the playoffs, and making room for the free market in 2026-2027 to strive to sign superstars. But reality is often more complicated than the plan. Is this Lakers' operation far-sighted or failed?

First of all, the Lakers have about $110 million in their hands, including contracts from Hachimura, Vincent, Kleber and others, plus LeBron James' player options, which theoretically can free up nearly $50 million in salary space in 2026. The money is enough to sign a maximum-paid star, but the problem is that if the Lakers give up renewing key players in order to clear space, such as Reeves or Finney Smith, the team's immediate combat power may decline significantly. Especially the wing defense, once these puzzles are lost, the Lakers may fall into an embarrassing situation where "there is space but the lineup is dispersed." In terms of draft picks, the Lakers currently have 4 first-round picks and 1 second-round pick, and there are multiple swap rights. These chips can be used to trade in combat power, or they can be kept to bet on the future high pick. But the management does not seem to be in a hurry to make a move. For example, in the transaction pursuing Ayton, they are only willing to give out the first round pick in 2031 and retain the 2029 draft pick as a backup. This cautious attitude shows that the Lakers do not want to make a gamble, but want to maintain flexibility.

The names of Ju Holiday and Bam Adebayo are frequently mentioned in terms of potential trading targets, but the actual operation is very difficult. Holiday is playing well with the Celtics, and it is unlikely that the Celtics will let go easily; Adebayo is the core of the Heat, and it is difficult to impress the Heat unless the Lakers are willing to pay the price of Hachimura + multiple first rounds. In contrast, the Lakers prefer to use similar chips to pursue DeAndre Ayton, after all, his contract is more flexible and has proven his strength.

As for the "Super Free Market Plan" in 2027, the Lakers seem to pin their hopes on top stars like Jokic and Antetokounmpo. But the reality is that Jokic is almost impossible to leave the Nuggets. Although Antetokounmpo is likely to leave the team, the Bucks will definitely keep it with all their might. More importantly, if the Lakers have poor record in the past two years, will Doncic still be patient? After all, young stars will not accompany the team to slowly rebuild.

Overall, the Lakers' strategy is full of uncertainty. They want to stay competitive and not give up future opportunities, but such a balance is difficult to grasp. In the short term, the lineup of Doncic + James + Ayton is competitive in the West, but the inside depth is insufficient, making it difficult to win the championship; in the long term, the free market plan in 2027 is extremely risky. Once the super giant does not come, the Lakers may waste Doncic's peak period in vain.

Perhaps, the Lakers' most realistic route is: first use expired contracts and draft picks to make minor repairs, maintain their playoff competitiveness, and wait until James' contract expires, and then strive to pursue a star who is in his playing age, such as Donovan Mitchell. After all, rather than betting on an uncertain future, it is better to seize the opportunity in front of you first. Otherwise, if you play this game in the end, you may not win in the present and miss the future.