The Lakers went 21-61 this past year, the fourth-worst record in the entire league. However, they have been one of the most popular teams in the headlines throughout the offseason in connection with a host of players and possible transactions.
Not only do they own the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA draft, but the Lakers own a second pick in the first round at No. 27. However, the team may be looking to deal that pick.
According to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders, the Lakers are entertaining trade talks for the 27th pick in the draft in what would be a cap-saving move:
The Lakers currently have $32,907,214 in estimated cap space, according to Spotrac.com, the sixth-best situation in the NBA behind the San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, Detroit Pistons, Dallas Mavericks and Phoenix Suns.
Only 10 active Lakers players are under contract for the 2015-16 season.
The Lakers will need to create as much space as possible in order to offer max contracts to the league's top impending free agents. That group includes the likes of LaMarcus Aldridge, Marc Gasol, Kevin Love, DeAndre Jordan, Goran Dragic and Paul Millsap.
Eric Pincus of Basketball Insiders estimates some of the aforementioned free agents will command max contracts worth between $15 million and $18 million.
Butler Eyeing Move to Los Angeles?
The Chicago Bulls could face some serious competition from the Lakers as the team tries to re-up with restricted free agent Jimmy Butler this summer.
According to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports, Butler plans on signing a short-term offer sheet this summer instead of the five-year contract the Bulls want to give him.
Per Wojnarowski, Butler is intri...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Los Angeles Lakers
