The Los Angeles Lakers’ decision to remain inactive at the trade deadline could lead to a significant offseason, according to Yossi Gozlan of The Third Apron.
By preserving flexibility, Los Angeles is projected to enter the summer with substantial cap space and multiple options to reshape its roster.
Even if Austin Reaves declines his player option and carries a $20.9MM cap hold into free agency, the Lakers are expected to have about $47MM in cap room, along with the $9.4MM room mid-level exception.
That number could increase further if Deandre Ayton and Marcus Smart choose to decline their player options as well.
A trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo would represent the franchise’s ideal outcome, though Gozlan remains doubtful that the Lakers can assemble a competitive package.
With only three tradable future first-round picks available, Los Angeles may struggle to match rival offers unless Antetokounmpo specifically requests a move to L.A., even if Reaves were included in a sign-and-trade scenario.
Gozlan also identifies several alternative targets the team could pursue.
Nuggets forward Peyton Watson could become available if Denver needs to cut salary, while Cameron Johnson may draw interest if draft compensation accompanies a potential deal.
Center Jalen Duren is another possible option if the Pistons hesitate to meet his contract demands following a breakout season, though signing him would likely require an aggressive offer sheet near his projected $44.6MM annual max salary.
Additionally, Gozlan mentions Kawhi Leonard as a situation to monitor if the NBA were to void his contract amid the Aspiration scandal.
In that scenario, the Lakers could create enough cap space to absorb his $50.3MM salary while providing the Clippers with draft assets and financial relief.
Lakers Notes: Offseason Targets, LeBron, Riley, Ticket Prices https://t.co/n7pnD7Ntx2 pic.twitter.com/tPslr2l4fq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) February 23, 2026
