The Los Angeles Lakers have applied for a disabled players exception following the season-ending injury to Steve Nash.
With Steve Nash out for the entire 2014-15 season, the Los Angeles Lakers are without a player who was key to whatever head coach Byron Scott had planned for the franchise. But thanks to league rules, the Lakers may be able to replace Nash as they’ve applied for the disabled player exception according to Bill Oram of the Orange County Register.
Lakers will apply for disabled player exception following Nash news. If granted, exception would be worth roughly $4.85 million.
— Bill Oram (@billoram) October 24, 2014
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Here is a brief explanation of the Disabled Player Exception from salary cap expert Larry Coon:
"This exception allows a team which is over the cap to replace a disabled player who will be out for the remainder of that season (it can also be granted in the event of a player’s death). This exception is granted by the league, based on an application from the team and a determination by an NBA-designated physician that the player is substantially more likely than not to be unable to play through the following June 15."
If allowed to received the DPE, the Lakers will be able to acquire a player in free agency or manufacture a trade. Again sourcing Larry Coon, whomever the Lakers may trade for must have a salary cap that fits the $4.85 million exception and must be in the final year of their contract.
This creates a wide range of possible targets, but if awarded the exception, it’s most likely the Lakers see what they have in-house before looking for outside help.
With Steve Nash out of the picture, Jeremy Lin or recently-signed free agent point guard Ronnie Price may start on opening night against the Houston Rockets.
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