If D’Angelo Russell opts out of his contract and LeBron James takes roughly $12 million lower than his max, then the Los Angeles Lakers can have their full midlevel exception out there to make use of in free company, reviews Brian Windhorst on his the Hoop Collective podcast.
“If Russell opts out, the Lakers can have a window to do one thing,” stated Windhorst. “And, look, LeBron might shut the door shut. However I do assume if they’d a plan of who they may signal for the total midlevel, they may take it to LeBron and he would at the least pay attention.”
Windhorst does not point out any particular free agent targets for the Lakers on the midlevel exception, however James would presumably solely entertain that situation for a participant he believes can be a considerable difference-makers for his or her staff.
If James opts out, he can signal a brand new contract with a no-trade clause and in addition give the Lakers optionality underneath this situation. James may signal for as much as $160 million over three seasons if he opts out with a no-trade clause, or he may opt-in at $51.4 million after which signal an extension value $162 million over three season however with out the no-trade clause.
If Russell opts in to his $18.7 million contract for 24-25, the Lakers will seemingly discover commerce eventualities involving him.