Camp is still two weeks out, and the back of the Lakers roster has already turned over twice. Anton Watson signed his Exhibit 10 deal on September 18 and was gone a day later, with Chase Ross and Meechie Johnson filling the openings he left behind.
A Roster That Won't Sit Still
Anton Watson joined the Lakers on an Exhibit 10 contract on September 18 and was off the roster by September 19. In his place, Hoops Rumors' Law Murray reported the Lakers signed Chase Ross and Meechie Johnson to Exhibit 10 deals of their own. None of the three carries a guaranteed dollar; each is fighting for a camp invite and, with some luck, a two-way spot once real games start.
The Tax Line Doesn't Care Who's Camp Filler
Exhibit 10 deals barely move the needle, but the number above them does. The Lakers carry a payroll of $201.3 million, over the $200.4 million luxury tax line, led by Dončić's $49.8 million and Reaves's $41.2 million. Every future first is already spoken for in some form, owed outright to Dallas in 2029 or tied up in protections and swaps with Memphis and Brooklyn. That's the backdrop for two lightly sourced reports: Eric Amsler's move from Miami to become assistant general manager, confidence score 34, and Nick Smith Jr.'s reported interest in Real Madrid, confidence score 37, a door that closes on the Lakers if he signs overseas.
Sexton's Motive, Lightly Sourced
One report keeps circulating without much behind it: the claim that an opportunity to win kept Sexton in Los Angeles carries a confidence score of just 29, the lowest on file. Sexton put up 15.4 points a game last season shooting 40.1 percent from three, real production entering his eighth year. But a motivational quote isn't a transaction, and until it turns into an extension or a lineup change, it stays color, not a move.
Why did the Lakers waive Anton Watson right after signing him?
Watson signed an Exhibit 10 deal on September 18 and was off the roster by September 19, with Chase Ross and Meechie Johnson signed to fill the openings, per Hoops Rumors' Law Murray. Nothing beyond that has been reported.
Are the Lakers over the luxury tax entering the season?
Yes. Their payroll sits at $201.3 million against a $200.4 million luxury tax line, led by Dončić's $49.8 million and Reaves's $41.2 million, with Kessler and Grimes also among the top contracts.
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Around the beat · Fri, Sep 18Sandro Mamukelashvili and the Modern Big Debate
Player focus · Fri, Sep 18Austin Reaves and the Weight of a $41.2 Million Vote of Confidence
Morning · Fri, Sep 18Anton Watson Joins a Camp Already Crowded and Already Over the Line
Cap watch · Thu, Sep 17Building Around a $49.8M Superstar Comes at a Price
The big question · Thu, Sep 17The Defense Now Decides How Far Dončić Can Take the Lakers