Lakers 2025: Cost-saving strategy ahead of 2027 market

The Los Angeles Lakers have chosen restraint during this 2025 offseason. According to ESPN, the franchise « exercised discipline in its negotiations » with forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who eventually joined the Houston Rockets on Monday, preferring to save cap space for 2027 in hopes of attracting a max-salary player.

A questionable long-term strategy

This conservative approach is explained by the future ambitions of the Lakers. The franchise would like to maneuver to have dollars to spend in two years, particularly because stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic could be free agents in 2027, barring contract extensions before then.

The Lakers had offered a two-year contract to Dorian Finney-Smith according to The Athletic, but the 32-year-old forward preferred to sign for four years and $53 million with Houston. Management didn’t want to offer a long-term contract, likely due to the player’s age and injury history.

Following Finney-Smith’s departure, Los Angeles gained access to a mid-level exception of $14.1 million, which they partially used to sign Jake LaRavia to a two-year, $12 million contract. An interesting recruit, but one that doesn’t allow the Lakers to truly contend for the title in 2026.

Glaring needs in the paint

The main area needing improvement remains the frontcourt, which lacks depth despite LaRavia’s arrival. The Lakers need to add a center, and according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, the team could sign two before the end of the week.

Among the options discussed were Clint Capela and Deandre Ayton. Capela ultimately signed with Houston on Monday, though a sign-and-trade could be considered. Ayton, whose contract with Portland was bought out Sunday, remains free to sign with any team.

This offseason caution could also be explained by potential mid-season trades. Avoiding heavy contracts can be valuable for maintaining flexibility, especially if trade opportunities arise during the 2025-2026 season.