NBA Rumors: Lakers' Potential 'Third' Star Could Be Worth '$100M'

A major stumbling block could be waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers as they pursue an ideal third star to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Lonzo Ball’s situation with the New Orleans Pelicans is appearing to be one of the most interesting stories this offseason.

Apart from the recent link-up to the Lakers, more shocking rumors lie beneath Ball’s free agency. One of which is his projected market value.

Heading into his fifth NBA season, Ball’s value is expected to be around the region of $18 million with a possible “ceiling” of up to $25 million annually.

Simply put, the Pelicans point guard could be worth $100 million if given a four-year contract, a figure not bad for a player likely to become the “third” best player in the team, according to The Athletic’s John Hollinger.

“As a result, teams are likely to pump the brakes well short of a max contract on [Lonzo] Ball,” Hollinger wrote. “Something in the range of four years and $100 million seems a more likely ceiling given the offensive concerns; that’s already spendy for somebody who can be the third-best player on a good team but probably no more than that.”

Ball’s rumored reunion with the Lakers was first revealed by famed NBA insider Marc Stein in his Substack newsletter Wednesday.

According to Stein, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Lakers would explore a deal for Ball as the team looks to add “one more difference-making playmaker” that would let James and Davis be more efficient inside the paint.

“Yet it’s worth noting that inevitable rumbles of Lakers interest would not merely emanate from Simmons’ status as a Paul client like LeBron James and Anthony Davis,” Stein wrote. “ Word is that the Lakers, on top of their well-chronicled need for more shooting, covet one more difference-making playmaker who would allow James and Davis to spend more time at power forward and center.”

“Expect to eventually hear of them searching for potential pathways, however, obstacle-strewn they would be, to reacquiring restricted free agent-to-be Lonzo Ball for that reason,” he added.

Considering the Lakers find a way to tactfully manage their cap, signing Ball might still be not as easy as it sounds.

As it stands, aside from the Lakers, the Chicago Bulls and Los Angeles Clippers are among Ball’s current suitors.

However, the Pelicans are not keen on matching any significant offer from any team this summer, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.