The Los Angeles Lakers have become more open to scenarios where they take on money beyond the 2025-26 season since Luka Doncic signed his three-year, $165 million extension in August, sources tell The Athletic.
The Lakers approached the 2025 offseason with a priority of maintaining cap flexibility for future seasons.
The Lakers have interest in upgrading the wing with Andrew Wiggins a potential target. Wiggins is on a $28.2 million contract this season and has a player option for the 2026-27 season worth $30.1 million.
The Lakers can only trade either their 2031 or 2032 first round pick, which they would like to maintain for a more ambitious move in the future. The Lakers could send out expiring contracts and Dalton Knecht in a trade with a team looking to unload salary.