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Here’s how the Lakers could land Kyle Lowry this offseason

By Alfonso Cerna

Kyle Lowry, Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
Kyle Lowry, Los Angeles Lakers (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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It will take a lot of moving parts or a major discount for Kyle Lowry to sign with the Lakers this offseason.

Championship-or-bust aspirations are what’s expected for the Lakers. A first-round exit from Los Angeles this postseason will surely lead to a retooling of their roster for the 2021-22 season, addressing exposed weaknesses. In desperate need of more offensive creation, Los Angeles will be on the hunt for backcourt help this offseason. One name that will be on their radar is six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry.

In an article written by Eric Koreen of The Athletic (subscription required), Lowry explained (in no particular order) his top priorities this free-agency will be family, money and a chance to win another title.

At 35-years old, Lowry will be seeking a max contract from bidders. In projected cap space, the Lakers fall outside of the NBA’s top-10. The teams considered contenders that could free up options in pursuit of Lowry are the Knicks, 76ers, and Mavericks. A majority of the teams expected to have the most financial freedom next season aren’t considered to be on the cusp of a title run.

The Lakers don’t have many options to acquire Kyle Lowry.

Given the Lakers having to pay LeBron James ($41.2 million) and Anthony Davis ($35.4 million) next season, it makes adding role players for the right price all the more difficult in their roster construction. Assuming Lowry doesn’t take a lot less than he’s asking for, the Lakers will need to shed some of their current contracts to make it happen.

Aside from James and Davis, these are the following players the Lakers will have under contract for next season and their 2021-22 salaries, per Spotrac:

  • Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: $13.04 million
  • Kyle Kuzma: $13 million
  • Montrezl Harrell: $9.7 million (player option)
  • Marc Gasol: $2.7 million

None of those names really jump off the screen in terms of players other teams around the league are seeking at their current price. Depending on how much he appeals to Toronto, a sign-and-trade of Dennis Schroeder could also be in play.

If the Lakers find a buyer who will take on all or a large chunk of their salaries, it will likely cost them their first-round pick this year. They can’t legally trade another future pick until the 2026 draft because of all the draft obligations they owe the Pelicans from the Anthony Davis deal. If the Lakers go this route, it would be a huge hit towards their future given the current age of Lowry (35) and James (36) who would also be two of their highest-paid players.

Unless he is taking a major discount, there isn’t a lot of hope for the Lakers to bring on Lowry.

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