With the contracts of Kobe Bryant and Roy Hibbert coming off the books along with the expected spike in the salary cap next July, the Los Angeles Lakers are projected to have the largest cap space in the NBA, putting the team in position to sign three max players next offseason.
According to Basketball Insiders writer Steve Kyler, the Lakers will have roughly $56.7 million in cap space to pursue two or even three max-level free-agents next summer. However, to maximize the value of this massive cap space, the Lakers have to make a quick decision on the future of Bryant and Hibbert, who combine for $49.5 million cap hold.
"The biggest wrinkle for the Lakers is the future of Kobe Bryant, who will have a $26.25 million cap hold until the Lakers either sign him to a deal or renounce his rights. Bryant has said he won't make a decision on his future until after the upcoming season, which puts a huge chunk of the Lakers' potential cap space on hold, unless the Lakers want to cut ties with Bryant.
Another big block of future cap for the Lakers will be tied up in center Roy Hibbert's cap hold, which is $23.388 million. Like Bryant, the Lakers must renounce Hibbert or sign him to a new deal to remove that hold."
Despite missing on elite names this offseason, the Lakers front-office managed to form a competitive unit after trading for Hibbert and acquiring both Lou Williams and Brandon Bass through free-agency. They also used the no.2 pick to select Ohio State's D'Angelo Russell, who is considered the best playmakers in this year's draft class. Young power forward Julius Randle is locked for at least the next two years, while combo guard Jordan Clarkson could get a significant payhike if he followed up his impressive rookie campaign with another strong run.
The future is certainly bright for the Lakers, who endured two consecutive postseason absence and coming off one of the worst season in franchise's history. Yet, the road to title contention would be a lot easier if they can bring in elite-level talents next offseason. Former MVP Kevin Durant is consensus no.1 free-agent in next year's free-agency class, but names like DeMar DeRozan, Mike Conley, Al Horford or even a well-aging Pau Gasol should also be considered.
For the complete list of projected cap space per team next summer, please check out Steve Kyler's article at Basketball Insiders.