Lakers

Lakers can still get Rui if they move Hardy’s contract. Per, @LakersLead

Just in: The Los Angeles Lakers are trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards for Jaden Hardy and two Wizards second-round picks in 2031 and 2032, sources tell ESPN.

The California Classic tips off at Chase Center as the Warriors take on the Lakers, giving us our first look at first round pick Cam Carr • 7:30 PT 9 | San Francisco, California • I NBCS-BA, Amazon, NBA-TV | Chase Center

Right now, we don't have meaningful cap space anymore.We entered free agency with the ability to create roughly $50 million by renouncing the rights to players like Rui Hachimura, but after agreeing to deals for new players (including Walker Kessler via sign-and-trade, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Collin Sexton), that space has essentially been used up. They're now operating close to the luxury tax and first apron.

The Lakers can create about $7 million in cap space if they waive and stretch Vando’s contract. That would give them the flexibility to make an offer for Kuminga

Lakers still seeking young wing to help perimeter defense, per @DanWoikeSports. Jonathan Kuminga is receiving "significant consideration."

Memphis Grizzlies and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope are on the verge of working on a parting resolution as he could be traded or become a free agent relatively soon, league sources tell me.

Jason Hayes to sign a 2-year, $12M deal with the Jazz.

Shams: Luke Kennard to sign a 2-year, $13M deal with the Suns.

Lakers are expected to land Sandro Mamukelashvili and Quentin Grimes, per @JakeLFischer "The whole league is operating as if Mamu and Quentin Grimes are done there"

People around the league believe Sandro Mamukelashvilli is headed to the Lakers and will "basically replace" Rui Hachimura.

The Lakers have a phone call set up with Jalen Duren once free agency opens 👀, per @sam_amick

Utah Jazz restricted free agent center Walker Kessler and his representatives will hold meetings with multiple teams as free agency begins Tuesday evening, league sources tell The Athletic. The meetings will be held in Los Angeles at CAA's headquarters

Rockets are expected to offer Smart a 3 year deal to pry him away from LA: (@JakeLFischer) #LakeShow “One of the strongest things we've heard all weekend: Houston's interest in Marcus Smart, which we reported Friday, is only sounding more serious. The expectation of a three-year offer at a higher annual number than Smart's $5.4 million player option for next season.”

Rockets are the team most likely to land Marcus Smart thanks to a multi-year deal…..

According to a league source, one player the Lakers could take a look at in free agency is Brooklyn small forward Zaire Williams, who had his team option declined by the Nets on Sunday. The Lakers have desires to get younger and more athletic on the wing, and Williams is coming off back-to-back seasons in Brooklyn where he averaged more than 10 points and shot better than 34 percent from 3-point range. He has fans inside the Lakers' facility. H/T @danwoikesports

Deandre Ayton is expected to pick up his player option and be back with the team