LA Lakers Rumors: Latest On Trade Of Nick Young And How Much Money Do The Lakers Have To Spend?
The LA Lakers are still trying to figure out exactly what they are going to do in 2015 NBA free agency, but time may be running out. Some players are already off the table, and others are negotiating with other teams. Now, the Lakers were trying to get rid of Nick Young to free up cap space, but at least they still have a little extra money to spend.
On Thursday, the Lakers made a number of moves official, and they will indeed help. The trade for center Roy Hibbert from the Indiana Pacers, and the signing of free agents Lou Williams and Brandon Bass are done.
Lakers’ General Manager Mitch Kupchak is thrilled at the acquisition of Hibbert.
“We’re happy to add a veteran big man to the roster. Roy is a proven All-Star center that will help improve our front line. In addition, he is a consummate professional and we look forward to having him on the team.”
Hibbert has a salary of $15.5 million for 2015-2016, and he’s eligible for a 15 percent bonus that may or may not be the Pacers’ responsibility.
With those moves completed, the Lakers still have their Room Exception available, and the exception is worth $2.8 million. This is good as it gives them a little bit of room to play with, but they were hoping that more money could be freed up by trading away Nick Young.
As to whether or not the Lakers keep Young is a mixed story for now.
Does Nick Young have a future w/ Lakers? Kupchak: “Yes, I do.” He said it depends on how Young adjusts to what coaching staff wants.
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) July 10, 2015
Nick Young is going to pull in $5.2 million this season and $5.4 million next year. After that, he has the option of opting out of a $5.6 million player option for the 2017-2018, but that’s even if he is still with the Lakers by then.
The LA Lakers are still showing some interest in other free agents, and they’ve joined the fray for Kevin Seraphin. Unfortunately, they aren’t the only team rumored to be looking at bringing him into their fold.
Source: Dallas Mavericks have expressed interest in Kevin Seraphin. He’s also received interest from the Lakers, Wizards, Suns and Spurs.
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 8, 2015
NBA free agency has already seen some big moves and even some strange ones, but a lot of talented names are already taken. The LA Lakers are hoping to make a few more moves and signings, but the money isn’t really there unless they can unload Nick Young, but it appears less and less likely to happen.
[Image via Getty Images]
