Lakers’ 16-Man Roster Overcrowded, Bulls Could Become Key Partner for Pelinka’s Roster Move

The Los Angeles Lakers face a roster problem before the new season: they need to cut 16 contracts down to 15, and Rob Pelinka must move one player. The Chicago Bulls are said to be a possible trade partner, while Jake LaRavia’s name has been repeatedly mentioned.

16 players over the limit: who stays and who goes

Around Luka Doncic, Pelinka made eight new signings in the summer, making the team younger and more athletic. However, before the season begins, the Purple and Gold already have 16 roster spots filled and someone must be removed. Previously mentioned candidates to leave include Dalton Knecht, Jaden Hardy, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Bronny James. At the same time, the Lakers have clearly needed a starting wing and a backup center, meaning they would have to send out multiple players to complete upgrades.

The Bulls’ available space and LaRavia’s contract

According to Spotrac data, the Bulls are currently $2 million below the NBA salary cap of $165 million and can use part of the $9.4 million space mid-level exception to fill the 15th roster spot. LaRavia’s $6 million contract is a match. Morris Bankston wrote in a report for Pippen Ain’t Easy that if the Bulls want to fill the 15th spot early, the Lakers remain a viable trade target; conversely, because the Lakers are over the limit with 16 players and must reduce to 15 before the opening night of the 2026-27 regular season, they should also prioritize talks with Chicago.

Potential trade scenario

NBA reporter Jake Weinbach further mentioned that if the Lakers want to acquire Jalen Smith, a potential trade package could include LaRavia and Knecht.

The claim of the “best trade chip”

It is not surprising that LaRavia has been discussed as a player who could leave. He also has one year remaining on a $6 million contract, and an executive called him the Lakers’ “best trade chip.” The executive told Sean Deveney that Vanderbilt has developed a bad reputation with the Lakers because of injury and fit issues; he can still play, but is not worth that price. Meanwhile, LaRavia can be consistently useful when his shooting is working, but becomes difficult to handle when his shot is not falling. However, he is tough and plays every game.