Who are the among this year's class of free agents? Are the Lakers interested in any of them? I've got a question: How does lack of salary cap space prevent the Lakers from signing a big name free agent like Ray Allen? i mean, isn't the only penalty the luxury tax? With the windfall from having stars on the team, wouldn't additional revenue from attendance, marketing, and TV make up for any tax that Dr. Buss has to pay?
I have no idea on the cap issue, but best case scenario would be for the Lakers to sign Antonio Daniels if available or Marko Jaric. We should draft a PF capable of starting this year.
I think Marko Jaric is a perfect fit for this team. He is big, he can score when need be, and he is a proven role player. He is much better than Chucky in my eyes, I'd love to have him on the Lakers.
Yes you are right batman. The only penalty is the luxury tax. HOWEVER the catch is that you have to pay dollar for dollar extra if you are over the luxury tax. I am not sure if this is correct but lets say the luxury tax threshold is 55 million and your team salary is 69 million. Then I think the team has to pay an additional 14 million dollars to cover the luxury tax. As you can see the more you are over the luxury tax the more you have to pay. Its like throwing away money so thats why owners aren't that willing to go too much over the salary cap.
I think the Lakers can only go over the cap to sign their own free agents. It's impossible for them to sign Ray Allen because the Lakers will be over the cap this summer. The Lakers can only offer their MLE (Mid Level Exception), LLE (Lower Level Exception) or do a sign and trade with another team. As for realistic free agents I'd like to see the Lakers pursue... <u>Guards</u> Marko Jaric Antonio Daniels Earl Watson Maurice Evans Chris Duhon <u>Power Forwards</u> Michael Ruffin Chris Andersen Reggie Evans Kwame Brown Dasagna Diop Eddie Griffin Darius Songolia
Much like the rest of the league, the Lakers are way over the cap and can only sign their free agents with Bird rights. That doesn't rule out a sign-and-trade with Seattle, although it's quite unlikely. As far as the other free agents, it's almost a little sad when a veteran like Michael Ruffin is considered a hot prospect at the forward spot. But really, the Lakers could use a rough, strong, veteran leader in the front court, and many of those Shape listed would definitely fit the bill.
