NBA Free Agency: what to expect from the Lakers and Clippers
The Lakers and Clippers have done the work during the two -day draft of the NBA which was completed on Thursday evening and will now pay their attention to model their lists.
The first key dates are Sunday, when Lebron James and Dorian Finney-Smith must inform the Lakers and when James Harden has to inform the clippings of their decisions to opt for or get out of their contracts and Monday, when the NBA agency period begins.
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James has a player option for $ 52.6 million and Finney-Smith has one for $ 15.3 million.
“At that point, we will know the tools we have to go out in the free agency and fill in the roster with the draft that ends tonight,” said Rob Pelinka, president of the basketball operations of the Lakers, Spectrum Sportsnet after the second round of Thursday’s draft. “The work for this has already begun, but attention will now pass from the draft concentration to the free agency and we will not rest until we have it well.”
Harden, who has a player’s option of $ 36.3 million, also has the same day to make his wishes known to clipper.
“It is our priority n. 1,” Lawrence Frank, president of the Clippers basketball operations, told Media, after the first round of the draft on Wednesday evening. “We are super confident that James is here and is here for a long time. He has an option as a player, so he can opt … or he can give up and we hope to be able to make an agreement that makes sense for both sides. But James, as you guys you know, has been phenomenal and we hope to continue seeing his game.”
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To find out more: The Lakers exchange again to acquire Adou Tiero at n. 36 in NBA Draft
The Lakers were able to add an athletic wing player when they acquired Adou Tiero in an exchange with Minnesota Timberwolves, who chose him with the 36th choice of the second round.
The most urgent need for Lakers remains a center and will have to examine the free agency or through the trade to acquire one.
The best big men are Indiana Myles Turner, Brook Lopez of Milwaukee and Clint Capela from Atlanta.
Turner, who earned $ 19.9 million last season, probably returned to the pacer and will do it at a price that the Lakers cannot offer them. The Lakers have the medium -level exception of taxpayers of about $ 5.65 million to spend.
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“As I said at the end of the year, we know that one of the things we have to face is the central position and this will clearly be one of our focus while we start the free agency period,” said Pelinka in the Lakers TV show. “And this is just around the corner.
“So, we can’t wait to do the hard work and make sure to take care of all the needs of the roster to give [Lakers coach] JJ [Redick] The tools he needs to so that this team is exceptional next season. “
Although the clippers have drawn up a center in the first round with the 30th choice, obtaining Yanic Konan Niederhausher of Penn State, Frank said that his team “will probably have at least three centers”.
Clippers can use their medium -level exception not taxpayer which is expected to be about $ 14.1 million on a player or two, and perhaps also find a center.
Announcement
To find out more: 2025 NBA Draft: Clippers Select Penn State Center Yanic Konan Niederhauser
They will also perform due diligence by calling other teams to see commercial opportunities.
“You are always in constant contact with all the teams,” said Frank. “You have a good sense of the things you can be involved with and other things you are not.”
The Libera Agency starts on Monday at 15:00 PDT, but players cannot sign contracts until 6 July.
In addition, Clippers Wing Norman Powell is suitable for an extension of the contract. He remained a year on his agreement that pays him $ 20.4 million next season.
“At the right time, we will sit with Norm and its representatives to talk about the type of extension and how it would be and how it would adapt in the broader picture,” said Frank.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.