NBA Updates 2026-27 Cap Picture as Lakers Hold $108.4 Million Below Tax Line
Updated
Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 27
NBA Updates 2026-27 Cap Picture as Lakers Hold $108.4 Million Below Tax Line
3 articles · Updated · Bleacher Report · Jun 27
Summary
$108.4 million in estimated room below the $201 million tax threshold leaves the Lakers with the league's biggest cushion entering the July 6 free-agency opening, ahead of the Bulls at $103.5 million and Nets at $78 million.
Spotrac's estimates show only Memphis currently below the $165 million salary cap itself, underscoring how the tax line—not the cap—better reflects spending flexibility under the NBA's soft-cap system.
Oklahoma City and Cleveland are projected above the $222 million second apron, while Denver and Orlando sit within $5 million of it, exposing them to the harshest roster-building limits if spending rises further.
Trade activity is already reshaping that landscape: Austin Reaves agreed to a four-year, $185 million Lakers extension, Giannis Antetokounmpo was dealt to Miami, and Charlotte sent LaMelo Ball to Minnesota.
Boston is still engaged in Jaylen Brown trade talks, and Kawhi Leonard could also move if the Clippers fail to reach an extension, signaling more cap shifts before negotiations open Tuesday.