The Lakers’ quest to land Donovan Mitchell has hit another roadblock. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert remains firm on keeping Mitchell, creating a significant obstacle for Los Angeles. This comes after the Cavs fired coach JB Bickerstaff, who had been a key reason for Mitchell’s contentment in Cleveland.
Adding to the Lakers’ woes, the Houston Rockets present a formidable financial challenge. The Rockets have a $12.9 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, a $4.7 million biannual exception, and a $4.5 million trade exception.
In contrast, the Lakers lack a biannual exception, having used it last year to sign Taurean Prince. They can only access the $12.9 million midlevel exception if D’Angelo Russell opts out of his player option, further complicating their efforts.
Despite the financial edge, the Rockets’ chances of acquiring Mitchell remain slim. ESPN insiders report that Mitchell is happy in Cleveland and not seeking a trade. Cavs owner Dan Gilbert has also squashed rumors, stating he “would never” trade Mitchell to the Lakers. The Athletic’s Jovan Buha also confirmed the Cavs’ reluctance to part with their star guard.
Mitchell’s impressive season, averaging 26.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 6.1 assists, makes him a valuable asset. Speculation suggests he might sign a $200 million extension with the Cavs this summer. If he doesn’t, the team could consider trading him next year before he becomes a free agent in 2025.
The Lakers’ hopes hinge on overcoming these financial and strategic hurdles. While the allure of pairing Mitchell with LeBron James is strong, the Cavs’ firm stance and the Rockets’ financial power present significant challenges.
Do the Lakers have a shot at landing Donovan Mitchell? With Gilbert’s refusal and Mitchell’s contentment in Cleveland, it seems unlikely. The NBA community will watch closely as this saga unfolds, but for now, the Lakers’ pursuit of Mitchell appears stalled.
