LAL

Los Angeles Lakers

2025-26 Season Analysis

Championship Ambitions Meet Roster Reality

Comprehensive analysis of the Lakers' veteran core, championship aspirations, and season outlook

Salary Cap Situation

Operating $6.95M over luxury tax with limited flexibility

Current Payroll$194.8M

Tax Threshold$187.9M

First Apron$195.9M

Second Apron$207.8M

Over Tax Line$6.95M

Repeater tax penalties apply

Extremely limited cap flexibility

Creative solutions needed for improvements

Veteran minimum contracts

Trade exceptions (limited)