Why free agents showed less interest in Lakers this offseason than usual

Something curious is happening with the Lakers.

They’re the second-winningest franchise in the NBA with 17 championships. They have a top-four player in the league in Luka Dončić. They’re located in one of the premier cities in the league in Los Angeles.

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But a curious pattern has repeated itself this offseason.

Denver Nuggets guard Peyton Watson (8) drives to the basket during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Dallas Mavericks, Jan. 14, 2026, in Dallas. AP Photo/Julio Cortez

The league’s top available players didn’t show interest in Los Angeles.

After eight years with the Lakers, LeBron James chose to leave in free agency. Jonathan Kuminga took his talents to Minnesota. Klay Thompson decided to go to Miami. Bruce Brown decided to sign with the Knicks.

The Lakers weren’t at the top of Giannis Antetokounmpo’s list of top destinations when it became clear the Bucks were going to trade him. Peyton Watson, who was a restricted free agent, opted for a sign-and-trade deal with the Cavaliers, where he could earn much more money than with the Lakers.

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Sure, the Lakers were hamstrung monetarily after re-signing Austin Reaves to a four-year, $180 million deal, the richest contract for a player who went undrafted in NBA history.

And they emptied their treasure trove for Walker Kessler, whom they acquired via a sign-and-trade from Utah on a four-year, $130 million deal, including giving up first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and first-round pick swaps in 2028 and 2030.

They also largely emptied their pockets on Collin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Sandro Mamukelashvili, Ziaire Williams and Jaden Hardy.

But money only tells part of the story.

Miami Heat’s newest signing Klay Thompson speaks during an NBA basketball press conference in Miami, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026. AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell

James chose to sign a veteran-minimum deal with the 76ers (two years, $8 million) instead of potentially earning much more in Los Angeles, with some estimates placing him in the ballpark of earning $25 million per year with the Lakers after single-handedly leading them past the Rockets in…

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Publish date : 2026-09-18 12:00:00

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