Right before NBA free agency is set to begin, the Los Angeles Lakers have made several roster moves that will free up around $12.5 million in their attempt to attract a notable free agent.
First, the Lakers waived center Mo Bamba, for whom they were on the hook for $10.3 million next season.
Los Angeles also decided not to pick up the $16.5 million option for shooting guard Malik Beasley.
Those two moves will keep the Lakers on the path to staying below the $172 million luxury tax cap for next season. It would also give them the ability to use all of the $12.4 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception for next season.
According to ESPN, the Lakers are reportedly zeroing in on Denver Nuggets forward Bruce Brown and Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez.
It’s very possible that one or both players could return to the Lakers as ESPN reports the team will remain in touch with reps for both of them.
Bamba averaged 3.7 points and 4.6 rebounds in nine regular-season appearances for Los Angeles after he came over in a swap with the Orlando Magic that included Patrick Beverley. Beasley averaged 11.1 points and 3.3 rebounds in 26 regular season games after coming to L.A. in a trade that sent Russell Westbrook out of town, though his production dropped severely in the playoffs.
[ESPN]
