Lakers trade players, pick to Wizards to create cap space, chase max free agent

Anything is possible.

Just when everyone thought the Lakers had no shot at a max free agent after trading for Anthony Davis, the team has reportedly shipped three players — Mo Wagner, Jemerrio Jones and Isaac Bonga — and their 2022 second-round pick to the Wizards (per ESPN). Those three players combined to average 10.2 points per game last season in limited playing time and are set to earn around $5 million in 2019-20.

Additionally, Davis has waived his $4 million trade kicker, according to ESPN.

And there you have it — Los Angeles has the required $32 million in cap space to chase any free agent they deem worthy of a max contract.

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— kuz (@kylekuzma) June 27, 2019

Los Angeles will now pursue a third star this summer to pair with Davis and LeBron James. The franchise has been linked to Kemba Walker, Jimmy Butler, Kawhi Leonard, Kyrie Irving and D'Angelo Russell. But before Thursday's trade news, the Lakers only expected to have around $23 million available this offseason and weren't able to offer a max contract.

Despite the previous cap restrictions, the Lakers' front office was bullish on its chances to land a marquee free agent.

“There will be a lot of changes,” Lakers owner Jeanie Buss told the Los Angeles Times earlier this week. “Lakers fans, be patient. We’re going to get there. We’re not going to stop until we’re all proud.”

The Lakers reportedly have interest in Bobby Portis, Marcus Morris, Al Horford, Brook Lopez and DeAndre Jordan, as well. They also are the “most likely” destination for Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith.