Lakers rumors: Three ways to spend the new cap space in the summer

The Los Angeles Lakers made headlines by acquiring Isaiah Thomas from the Cleveland Cavaliers at the NBA Trade Deadline. Fittingly, this only fuels the Lakers rumors.

The Los Angeles Lakers made only one move at the NBA Trade Deadline, it was a big one. Los Angeles acquired Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and the Cavaliers 2018 first round pick in exchange for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr.

Both sides got a reasonable return after months of speculation on both ends. Ironically, perhaps the two most rumor-heavy teams in the league struck a deal with one another. For the Lakers, they were able to free that coveted cap space that has been oh so sought after. For the Cavaliers, they were able to initiate the roster overhaul they need.

Now, many are left wondering about the current state of the Los Angeles Lakers. For the Cavs, it is easy, they still have the best player on the planet and will be in title contention.

For the Lakers, though, it is very unclear. The Lakers could see a revitalized Thomas that meshes well in LA and leads the team to a postseason berth. Or, we could see chemistry problems and bad defense that sees Thomas being nothing more than a role player in a young team.

Regardless of what happens on the court, there is one thing for certain; the Los Angeles Lakers may have freed up the cap space they needed. Now, the Lakers have $61 million in practical cap space for the 2018 summer.

Magic Johnson even said that he would not have made the deal if he didn’t think he the Lakers could lure in two stars in the summer. It is time to have some fun. Here are three different ways the Lakers can spend their new budget this summer.