Can LA Lakers acquire Ben Simmons? Understanding new CBA rules and cap restrictions

With the NBA trade deadline concluding, teams such as the LA Lakers will look forward to signing free agents in the upcoming 2025 offseason. While many great picks such as Ben Simmons and Dennis Schroder are likely to enter free agency this summer, it seems like signing them will be easier said than done.

The association introduced new rules and cap restrictions to the CBA. Most notably, the addition of the Second Apron is what will prevent teams like the Lakers from signing players like Ben Simmons in free agency. The next question is why not?

LA is currently above the apron and can't sign players who made more than the non-taxpayer midlevel exception. In this case, the Purple and Gold can't sign a player who made more than $12.8 million in salary before entering free agency. Simmons is expected to make $40.3 million in the final year of his contract with the Brooklyn Nets. That's $27.5 million above what LA can sign.

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LA Lakers finalize roster after Mark Williams trade

While losing Anthony Davis in exchange for Luka Doncic was a cause for concern among LA Lakers fans, it appears that they no longer have anything to worry about as the Purple and Gold secure a new big man in Mark Williams. It was a solid move by Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka as he addressed the problem that his team had, and that's a lack of centers on the team.

Williams is a good pick-up from the Charlotte Hornets as he displayed his explosiveness on the court as a center. Mark is averaging 15.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game. His production on offense and his solid defensive skillset will fill the void that Anthony Davis left.

LeBron James was surprised that GM Pelinka was able to pull off such a trade at the last minute.

“Obviously, young, athletic, big,” LeBron said after Thursday’s win over the Clippers. “He’s going to give us another lob threat along with Jaxson, Looking forward to getting him here. I was surprised that we were able to get him, to be completely honest. Just seeing his length and seeing how young he is – he’s 23 years old – I’m looking forward to getting him here and get him acclimated to our system and we’re looking forward to what he brings to the table.”

While we are yet to see Luka Doncic and Mark Williams suit up for the LA Lakers, it seems that the Purple and Gold have nowhere else to go but climb the ladder. LA is currently on a four-game winning streak and they've accomplished that without the help of their new stars. It'll be interesting to see how much more LA can improve with the addition of Doncic and Williams.