How the Lakers can pull off a sign-and-trade

The Lakers are looking to add a major piece after their playoff run ended early in a first-round loss to the Phoenix Suns. There are multiple ways their offseason can go with the safest bet being they re-sign most of their free agents and make some trades on the margins. Re-signing most of their rotation players could cost the 2021-22 Lakers between $275-$300 million in combined payroll and luxury tax payments.

If the Lakers wish to make significant changes, they will probably have to come through major trades. One route they can take to get creative is through a sign-and-trade. They can use that method to either acquire a veteran free agent, or to trade for a veteran on an existing contract with their own free agents.