Yes but as I had said earlier with the $38.5m in 2027, if in 2026 they didn’t do well in the playoffs and payroll is getting to be too much, the Lakers might be incentivised to blow it up Summer 2026 and tank in 2027 to keep their protected pick.If the Jazz do make that offer, the Lakers have to either:
A.) let him walk for nothing at the price we’re comfortable paying him.
or
B.) pay him $11.4 million in 23/24, $11.9 million in $24/25, $36.8M in 25/26 and $38.5M in 26/27 - the exact season that the Jazz will then own their ‘27 pick.
Heads, Lakers lose. Tails, Jazz win.