The NBA’s new TV deal has been a hot topic of discussion for quite some time. As a result of the mega-deal, the league’s salary cap will receive a considerable boost next summer and NBA commissioner Adam Silver gave some clarity on the issue before Game 1 of the NBA Finals got underway on Thursday.
— Have you seen the ‘Bleed Purple and Gold’ phone case? —
Silver said the following about the increase to the salary cap, via Mike Bresnahan of the Los Angeles Times:
Laker fans rejoice: Salary cap will go from approx. $67 million next season to about $90 million for 2016-17, NBA Commish Adam Silver said.
— Mike Bresnahan (@Mike_Bresnahan) June 5, 2015
As a team in desperate need of turning things around, this salary cap boost is a great news for the Los Angeles Lakers. More spending power gives the storied franchise a chance to compete with team building superstar trios like the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The salary cap increasing to $90 million couldn’t come at a better time for the Lakers. Superstar Kevin Durant will hit the free agent market with Los Angeles possibly being a strong suitor for the one-time NBA MVP. The franchise will also have Kobe Bryant’s contract off the books, giving the team an incredible amount of spending power unless they make major moves in free agency this summer.
Needless to say, the Lakers brass couldn’t be happier about the leverage they’ll have with a player of Durant’s caliber becoming available.
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