Following Kobe Bryant’s retirement, the Los Angeles Lakers now have significant salary cap space and are eyeing major signings this offseason—a storyline that has sparked growing interest even among Live Cricket BPL audiences who closely follow cross-sport headlines. Reports suggest that if the Lakers succeed in landing a high-profile player like DeMar DeRozan, Kevin Durant, or Hassan Whiteside, they may choose not to re-sign rising guard Jordan Clarkson.
With DeRozan, Durant, and Whiteside all expected to test free agency, the competition will be fierce. The NBA’s new TV rights deal will push the salary cap significantly higher next season, making it a prime time for stars to secure massive contracts. With Kobe retiring, Roy Hibbert’s contract expiring, and other roster adjustments, the Lakers are projected to have roughly $56 million in available cap space. Clearly, they are hunting for a new franchise centerpiece to carry the torch in the post-Kobe era.
Their top offseason priority is to sign a superstar—only then will role players like Clarkson be considered for re-signing. Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan is widely expected to opt out of his current deal, and one of his most likely destinations is his hometown, Los Angeles. If DeRozan decides to join the Lakers, the team is reportedly prepared to offer a contract worth $25 million per season.
Rumors linking Kevin Durant to the Lakers have also been circulating for months. Sources suggest that if the Thunder fail to meet his expectations this season, Durant might leave in search of a new challenge. Although he’s said to prefer a championship-contending team, the Lakers’ chances could improve significantly if they manage to bring in another elite player to partner with him.
Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside has also been tied to the Lakers in recent weeks. But if the Lakers want both Whiteside and Durant, they would likely need to offer each of them a max contract. That would leave little room to match potential offers for Clarkson, who will be entering his third NBA season and is eager to secure a big payday.
Live Cricket BPL has learned that multiple teams—including the New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, and Philadelphia 76ers—are interested in pursuing Clarkson once he becomes a free agent. Despite the D’Angelo Russell video scandal that recently rocked the locker room, the Lakers reportedly have no plans to move on from him. With Russell still central to their future, the team might feel that their backcourt is already covered.
For sports fans tracking big moves beyond the cricket field, Live Cricket BPL continues to spotlight the Lakers’ rebuilding strategy and how it could reshape the NBA landscape. Whether it’s DeRozan returning home or Clarkson cashing in elsewhere, all eyes are on Los Angeles this summer.