There are so many reasons! The Lakers started with a bleak start, Lake Record: Already aimed at Antetokounmpo + Jokic in 2027

On the first day of the free market opening, Lakers fans were heartbroken!

According to famous reporter Shams Charania, the Los Angeles Lakers signed young forward Jack Laravia for only two years and $12 million, while 3D champion Finney Smith, who was previously highly anticipated, was poached by the Rockets for 53 million in four years. What made Lakers fans even more heartbreaking is that the rumored target Capela also returned to Houston with 21.5 million in three years.

Laravia made 42.3% of three-point shooting percentage and 59.1% of real shooting percentage. She is a young forward with shooting potential. But the Lakers signed him not for immediate combat effectiveness, but for salary flexibility in 2027. Since Laravia's contract only occupies some of the middle-class special cases, the Lakers still retain about $8 million in space for subsequent reinforcement.

The Lakers had previously hoped to renew Finney Smith's contract, but the Rockets' offer was more attractive. Smith averaged 7.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per game in the Lakers last season, with a three-point shooting percentage of 39.8%, and was able to switch to multiple positions on the defensive end. His departure greatly weakened the Lakers' wing depth.

According to Lakers reporter Dave McMenamin, the current core strategy of the Lakers' management is to retain the maximum salary space in 2027. At that time, if Antetokounmpo and Jokic do not renew their contract in advance, they will become the Lakers' main pursuit target. This long-term plan means that the Lakers may not make big deals this summer, but will transition with short-term contracts.

But the real question is: Will Antetokounmpo and Jokic really leave their parent team? Historical data shows that the voluntary departure rate of MVP players in the past 10 years is only 13%, but the Lakers management is still full of confidence: "No one expected Durant to join the Warriors back then. "

When the Lakers use seemingly failed signings to start their three-year plan, Los Angeles' basketball territory may be completely reconstructed in 2027. Should I become a super wealthy family or get water from a bamboo basket? Time will test whether Pelinka's gamble is wise.