A lot of number crunching will be going on in good old Mitch’s office this summer. With the laker’s pretty much being over the salary cap for certain next year it is going to take a lot of things to make the team change next year. Salary payout next year for the current roster is over 55 million, so it may take some restructuring of deals or players actually coming in for a lower than market value if they believe they can ‘win with Kobe.’
The Laker’s only real advantage will be the mid-level exception, which allows them to sign a player for a figure equaling the league-average salary. This year, the exception was worth $5.2 million; mediocre players like Brad Miller will make $10 million next year, thats not exactly a championship type player to use as a baseline for seeing whats out there with what you can afford.
With Luke Walton becoming a free agent, he has already voiced that he will see what the league has to offer ($$$) before making a decision on wether to stay with the lakeshow, saying, “Like I said before, in a perfect world, I’ll be back here in L.A. You’re only a free agent once or twice in your career, so I definitely have to go out there and see what else is available.”
Luke’s decision will make a key impact, since he is the glue of the team whenever he is on the floor.
Most likely to retire or be released- Aaron McKie, Chris Mihm, Smush Parker, Shammond Williams
Key Big Name Free Agents this summer
- Gerald Wallace (Bobcats)
- Anderson Varejeo (Cavs)
- DeSagana Diop (Mavs)
- Chris Webber (Pistons)
- Bonzi Wells (Rockets)
- Vince Carter (Nets)
- Mikkie Moore (Nets)
- Rashard Lewis (Sonics)
- Morris Peterson (Raptors)
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