Los Angeles Lakers Roster Dilemma: Options for Offloading Contracts

The Los Angeles Lakers have secured a one-year, $3.3 million contract with Matisse Thybulle, known for his All-Defensive skills. This move adds an elite perimeter defender to their lineup. The deal adheres to the veteran minimum terms, offering a cost-effective solution for the team.

However, the Lakers now face a roster challenge for the 2026-27 season. With 16 contracts, they exceed the standard limit of 15. This could force them to release a player before the season begins. John Hollinger from The Athletic suggests Bronny James might be a candidate for release. Waiving and stretching his $2.2 million salary could help the team avoid luxury tax penalties.

“According to The Athletic’s John Hollinger, that could be Bronny James.”

Alternatively, sharpshooter Jaden Hardy appears as a more viable candidate for release. His contract stands at $6 million for the next season. Other potential candidates include Dalton Knecht, holding a $4.2 million contract, and Adou Thiero with a $2.1 million contract.

The Lakers could explore trading these players, although Hardy’s contract restricts them from combining it with others in trades. If they fail to find trading partners, the Lakers may need to release one of these players outright.

In recent updates, Bronny James’s name has circulated in trade discussions amid uncertainty over LeBron James’s future. LeBron informed the Lakers of his intent to play elsewhere by the 2026-27 season, creating speculations about Bronny’s future. However, Dan Woike from The Athletic dispelled rumors linking their futures.

“Dan Woike recently shut down those rumors by saying the two players’ futures aren’t tied together.”

Bronny’s performance last season included averages of 2.9 points, 1.2 assists, and 0.5 steals over 8.9 minutes per game. He shot 41% from the field while also spending time with the G League team, South Bay Lakers.

Conversely, Jaden Hardy contributed 9.2 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists in 15.8 minutes, playing for Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards. His 40% career 3-point shooting makes him an effective candidate for a secondary role backing up Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.

At present, there are no signs that the Lakers will part ways with Bronny, yet changes could happen as the regular season draws near. Bronny may potentially serve as a trade asset, especially to teams interested in acquiring LeBron. Nevertheless, the Lakers’ roster situation demands careful strategic decisions.