The Lakers are reportedly preserving their projected 2027 non-taxpayer mid-level exception for a starting-level wing, a plan that could complicate keeping Collin Sexton if he earns a significant raise next summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers are already looking ahead to next summer. According to NBA reporter Jovan Buha, the franchise is currently planning to use its projected non-taxpayer mid-level exception on a starting-level wing.
The position remains one of Los Angeles' biggest roster needs despite an offseason overhaul around Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves.
"The Lakers are earmarking that non-taxpayer mid-level exception right now for a starting-level wing player next summer," the LA insider said on a recent episode of Buha's Block.
"And if instead you have to use that on [Collin] Sexton, it's a good problem to have, I guess, but it's also a problem because now you don't have that asset to go get that wing, and that's still arguably the biggest need with the current roster."
"If Sexton wins Sixth Man of the Year this year and is a revelation and is the perfect fit, the perfect player for what the Lakers need, he's probably walking this summer and getting a bag from someone else," Buha explained.
"And if the Lakers instead use that non-taxpayer MLE on Sexton, it's like, well, now you're locking yourself into a six-man guard. That's a nice thing off the bench, but you still need a starter, right?"
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This summer, the Lakers did add several forward options, bringing in Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, and Ziaire Williams.
In addition to signing Sandro Mamukelashvili, Sexton, and Kevon Looney, Los Angeles acquired Jaden Hardy and made its biggest splash by landing Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with Utah.
Lakers already made major attempt to fill wing need
During the offseason, Los Angeles attempted to address that exact weakness by targeting Jonathan Kuminga.
The Lakers actively pursued the then-free agent and held meetings with him after Atlanta declined his team option. They pitched him a starting role, but the pursuit eventually failed.
Kuminga ultimately chose Minnesota, signing a two-year deal with the Timberwolves after reportedly also receiving offers from the Lakers, Bulls, and Trail Blazers.
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