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If D'Angelo Russell opts out of his contract and LeBron James takes approximately $12 million less than his max, then the Los Angeles Lakers will have their full midlevel exception available to use in free agency, reports Brian Windhorst on his the Hoop Collective podcast. 

"If Russell opts out, the Lakers will have a window to do something," said Windhorst. "And, look, LeBron may shut the door shut. I do think if they had a plan of who they could sign for the full midlevel, they could take it to LeBron and he would at least listen."

If James opts out, he can sign a new contract with a no-trade clause and also give the Lakers optionality under this scenario. James could sign for up to $160 million over three seasons if he opts out with a no-trade clause, or he could opt-in at $51.4 million and then sign an extension worth $162 million over three season but without the no-trade clause. 

If Russell opts in to his $18.7 million contract for 24-25, the Lakers will likely explore trade scenarios involving him.

Via Brian Windhorst/ESPN

what world does this happen Russell wont opt out and lebron did opt out to get more money so he definitely taking the max lakers are screwed

What player is the lakers getting for the full mid level exception that is better than D-Lo?

Caleb Martin and De'Anthony Melton will fit in nicely in the Lakers lineup if full MLE is available. However, how are you going to make it up to D'Angelo Russell?

At the end of the day, going the sign and trade route will be preferable.

Clickbaity BS caught me again.

LeBron James Takes Below Max Contract

You forgot the IF MFers

The Lakers are pushing this scenario, publicly negotiating with LeBron.

Temuhjan wrote:Caleb Martin and De'Anthony Melton will fit in nicely in the Lakers lineup if full MLE is available. However, how are you going to make it up to D'Angelo Russell?

At the end of the day, going the sign and trade route will be preferable.

No more Miami role players, they’re all busts.

YourGM99 wrote:What player is the lakers getting for the full mid level exception that is better than D-Lo?

Agreed, Russell’s frustrating but the team’s best shooter and somewhat decent point guard. Lakers don’t have a replacement for him.

The Hypnotoad wrote:

Temuhjan wrote:Caleb Martin and De'Anthony Melton will fit in nicely in the Lakers lineup if full MLE is available. However, how are you going to make it up to D'Angelo Russell?

At the end of the day, going the sign and trade route will be preferable.

No more Miami role players, they’re all busts.

That is mostly because, in MIA they play a role; in LAL they watch Lebron. They are very different systems.

The Hypnotoad wrote:

Temuhjan wrote:Caleb Martin and De'Anthony Melton will fit in nicely in the Lakers lineup if full MLE is available. However, how are you going to make it up to D'Angelo Russell?

At the end of the day, going the sign and trade route will be preferable.

No more Miami role players, they’re all busts.

Beggars can't be choosers, my friend. What kind of player do you expect with a MLE these days?

Pickled Prunes wrote:

The Hypnotoad wrote:

Temuhjan wrote:Caleb Martin and De'Anthony Melton will fit in nicely in the Lakers lineup if full MLE is available. However, how are you going to make it up to D'Angelo Russell?

At the end of the day, going the sign and trade route will be preferable.

No more Miami role players, they’re all busts.

That is mostly because, in MIA they play a role; in LAL they watch Lebron. They are very different systems.

No its because lakers saw one small stretch in the playoffs where there was an over performance and treated it like it will always happen. Then gabe played like he has his whole career which is why miami let him walk.

The Hypnotoad wrote:

YourGM99 wrote:What player is the lakers getting for the full mid level exception that is better than D-Lo?

Agreed, Russell’s frustrating but the team’s best shooter and somewhat decent point guard. Lakers don’t have a replacement for him.

Dlo opted in wtf are you all talking about.. dlo sucks in the playoffs his offense goes missing under pressure and is a complete liability on defence.

haste10176 wrote:

Pickled Prunes wrote:

The Hypnotoad wrote:No more Miami role players, they’re all busts.

That is mostly because, in MIA they play a role; in LAL they watch Lebron. They are very different systems.

No its because lakers saw one small stretch in the playoffs where there was an over performance and treated it like it will always happen. Then gabe played like he has his whole career which is why miami let him walk.

Both things can be true. MIA let him walk because LAL way overpaid him. That is absolutely true. But check out his Per36 stats; they are almost identical in years 2-4, including the playoffs. His playoff bump in 2023 was because he played more minutes due to injuries, not because he played demonstratively better. When a team thrives off a system instead of individual player talent, it is easier for the next guy to step into a role. (See Linsanity.) LAL doesn't have that. Stand in the corner and be ready is no role for an undersized PG that doesn't have a great outside shot.