The Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander‘s cousin, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, as they aim to strengthen their roster around stars Luka Doncic and LeBron James this offseason. However, the Lakers face a significant challenge in signing Alexander-Walker due to their limited salary cap space, estimated at just $5.1 million, while the guard is expected to command a contract worth around $20 million per year.

Given the Lakers’ financial restrictions, their most viable offer may be the taxpayer midlevel exception, valued at approximately $5.7 million, which falls far short of Alexander-Walker’s anticipated market value. Although a sign-and-trade agreement could theoretically help facilitate a deal, this route appears improbable since it would impose a hard salary cap on Minnesota, complicating the Timberwolves’ cap flexibility.

LeBron James’ Contract Choice Contributes to Lakers’ Salary Constraints

One of the core factors limiting the Lakers’ ability to offer a more competitive salary to Alexander-Walker is LeBron James’ decision to exercise his player option for the 2025-26 season. If James were to accept a significant pay cut exceeding $15 million, it would open up the non-taxpayer midlevel exception worth about $14 million, giving Los Angeles much needed flexibility for free-agent acquisitions.

Without such a pay cut from James, the Lakers are restricted to smaller salary exceptions, making it tougher to meet Alexander-Walker’s expected salary demands in free agency.

Bovada Lists Lakers as Favorites to Sign Alexander-Walker Despite Financial Hurdles

Despite the complex cap situation, the Lakers have been identified by Bovada as the favorite to land Nickeil Alexander-Walker, with +235 odds. This endorsement highlights Lakers fans’ hopes that the team will succeed in securing the 3-and-D guard currently with Minnesota.

Fan reactions to this speculation have been mixed, with some rejecting the likelihood of such a signing, others mocking the prediction, while some remain optimistic. Concerns about Alexander-Walker’s salary expectations were raised, though a few supporters see potential in the Lakers’ ability to complete the deal.

Lakers’ Prospects Remain Strong as Few Teams Can Match Salary Demands

The Lakers continue to be serious contenders to sign Alexander-Walker primarily because virtually no other NBA team has the salary cap room to offer the large contract he is expected to command, aside from the Brooklyn Nets. For the Minnesota Timberwolves, engaging in a sign-and-trade deal involving Alexander-Walker poses challenges due to the hard cap that would apply, but it remains possible if they can secure suitable player returns.

If the Timberwolves do not have higher-priority plans for max contract signings this offseason, Los Angeles could explore trade options that include players like Dalton Knecht and other salary fillers to strike a deal. Involving a third team to balance salaries might also help facilitate the transaction.

Implications for Lakers’ Roster and Future Moves

Signing Alexander-Walker would provide the Lakers with valuable depth, especially in perimeter defense and shooting, complementing the talents of Doncic and James. However, the tight cap situation forces LA to find creative solutions or await contract adjustments from key players. The outcome of these negotiations will likely influence the Lakers’ overall free agency strategy and roster construction as they seek to remain competitive.