Lakers can add starter now without closing 2027 MLE path

Next year's exception projects near $15.8 million.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Aug 11 min read

The Lakers are well-positioned to add a starter now and still access the non-taxpayer MLE next summer. https://t.co/fosO Via @jovanbuha on X

What happened: The roster math allows Los Angeles to pursue an immediate upgrade while preserving access to the 2027-28 non-taxpayer mid-level exception.

Why it matters: That would leave the Lakers with another mechanism to add a rotation player next offseason. Future salary in any acquisition will determine whether that flexibility survives.

By the numbers: The 2026-27 non-taxpayer MLE is $15.044 million; the 2027-28 exception projects at roughly $15.8 million.

What to watch: Watch the guaranteed 2027-28 salary in any deal and where it leaves Los Angeles relative to the first apron.

Sources

@jovanbuha 2026-08-01T02:05:14.402737+00:00

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Lakers can add starter now without closing 2027 MLE path

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