Lakers Salary Cap And Highest Paid Players

Any NBA fan knows the Los Angeles Lakers are built around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. That top-heavy approach is clearly reflected on the team’s salary sheet, as three players consume 70% of the Lakers salary cap.

But who are the highest-paid players beyond Los Angeles’ “big three?” And which Laker has the highest cap figure? Here’s a look at the six highest-paid Lakers.

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Russell Westbrook

Cap figure: $47.063 million

Contract ends: 2023

Westbrook, not James, actually carries the heaviest cap hit on Los Angeles’ roster. The problem is Westbrook has delivered a terrible return on investment. Acquired from the Washington Wizards last July, Westbrook was a disaster in his first year in L.A. He put up just 18.5 points per game, his lowest average since his second season. It’s clear that at 33 years old, the 9-time All Star and two-time scoring champ has exited the prime of his career.

Is Westbrook overpaid: Yes. And he could be on the move again if the Lakers can exchange him for another enigma, Kyrie Irving. This acquisition was clearly a mistake.

LeBron James

Cap figure: $44.474 million

Contract ends: 2023

James continues to play at an impressively high level. At age 37, James averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists in 56 games last season. But it’s fair to wonder whether the Lakers have gotten much bang for their buck since James signed with the team in 2018.

On one hand, James won the Lakers a title during the 2019-20 pandemic-shortened season. Granted, it was in the bubble. But James accomplished the mission of ending Los Angeles’ 10-year title drought. But the rest of his Lakers tenure hasn’t been great. Los Angeles has made the playoffs just twice in his four seasons, and they finished below .500 the other two seasons.

Is James overpaid? It’s hard to say. Since he’s still playing great basketball, probably not. But the Lakers haven’t gotten the sustained success they were paying for.

Anthony Davis

Cap figure: $37.98 million

Contract ends: Player option after the 2023-24 season

Davis is another really curious figure in recent Lakers history. When he’s on the floor, he’s averaged nearly a double-double during his three-year Lakers tenure. The problem has been health. Davis has played 138 games with Los Angeles, and hasn’t played more than 40 since his first season with the team.

Is Davis overpaid: Davis played an integral role in Los Angeles’ title run. But his durability issues make him overpaid.

Talen Horton-Tucker

Cap figure: $10.26 million

Contract ends: Player option after 2022-23 season

Horton-Tucker could be a member of Los Angeles’ next core should James move on after this season. He averaged 10 points while averaging 25 minutes in his third season. And he’s only 22 years old. While his career ceiling is uncertain, Horton-Tucker could earn more minutes this season.

Is Horton-Tucker overpaid: We’ll know more as he gets more opportunities, but right now, his wage seems right on.

Lonnie Walker IV

Cap figure: $6.479 million

Contract ends: 2023

Walker joined the Lakers this offseason on a one-year deal. Walker was expected to hit restricted free agency, but San Antonio pulled their qualifying offer and allowed Walker to test the open market.

The 18^th overall pick in the 2018 draft, Walker has averaged double figures in scoring the last two seasons. He’ll likely serve a key depth role for the Lakers in 2022.

Is Walker overpaid: We can’t say definitively yet. But it was a smart flyer on a talented player who could thrive with more opportunities.

Kendrick Nunn

Cap figure: $5.25 million

Contract ends: 2023

Nunn originally signed a two-year deal with the Lakers with a player option for this season, but never played a game for Los Angeles after suffering a bone bruise that never healed. Nunn opted in for the upcoming season, where he’ll make a tad over $5 million. He’ll be plenty motivated and Los Angeles is hoping he’ll return to form this season. Nunn has averaged 15 points per game through two seasons and was named to the 2019-20 All-Rookie Team.

Is Nunn overpaid: When you get paid $5 million and don’t play a single game, it’s safe to say you’re overpaid! But Nunn will have a chance to earn this year’s salary, plus a lot more down the road with a bounce back this season.