The NBA offseason comes with many terminologies that shape a crucial role in the roster make-ups. Luxury tax is an issue that comes up often when teams go over the fixed salary cap, which will get $136 million in the 2023-24 season. The more the luxury tax, the less likelihood of signing a marquee player. As the cap increases, so does the worth of a contract. Therefore, even role players are asking for contracts over $20 million dollars per year.

This means a team has to carefully maneuver around and can deploy what is called a mid-level exception contract. LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are hunting for a player under such a contract.

Can LeBron James’ Lakers sign a great complimentary player?

Nikola Jokic garnered praise for lifting the trophy and deservedly winning the Finals MVP. But there was a bench player who transformed the team’s depth. Bruce Bowen, the team’s wing, is one of the best all-around players in his role.

The Lakers lacked someone who could play different positions except for LeBron and can match up at both ends of the floor in those positions. Brown can answer that dilemma and, as per reports, the team is heavily interested in him.

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If they sign him, they can invoke the Mid-Level-Exception rule. This “Exception” paves the way for signing a player while not affecting the luxury tax or the salary cap. In fact, the flexibility can give the Lakers a chance at nabbing Brown from the Denver Nuggets for $12,300,000.

This total amount of around $12 million is more than what the Nuggets can offer at around $7.8 million due to their lack of cap space.

Considering the current free agency landscape, players like Josh Hart, who performs almost the same role as Brown, are asking for a sum that is above $20 million. This is understandable because superstars like Nikola Jokic are getting paid more than $50 million a year.

These hefty contracts have negated the increase in cap space. The maneuvering grounds for Franchises have reduced.

With a Chance of $17,000,000 influx, NBA Analysts Push for LeBron James’ Lakers to Retain 2 Star Players

Lakers and their cap space

Examining the Lakers’ options in terms of cap space, there are two major decisions to make. One is on Mo Bamba, who played a limited role last season and the other is of Malik Beasley, who underperformed. Bamba’s $10.3 million salary is non-guaranteed. Beasley’s contract is around $15 million and the team has the option to decline it.

If the Lakers decide to shed away these contracts, they can be in the race to sign players who are in Bruce Brown’s range. They also have the ambition to sign Fred Van Vleet, but he is asking for more than $30 million.

Meanwhile, Kyle Kuzma’s name was also thrown in the hat. He might ask for a big pay too.

Watch this story: 24 Hours After LeBron James Trade Rumors, 6’10″ Lakers Star Also Speculated to Join the Exit List This Summer

Let us see if the Lakers engage in some sign-and-trade scenarios. On the other hand, can they get Brown using their mid-level exception or is it far-fetched? Do share in the comments below.