Why the Los Angeles Lakers cannot use the Mid-Level Exception

Jan 1, 2020; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka looks on during warm up for the game against the Phoenix Suns at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Ever since the Los Angeles Lakers pulled off the massive Russell Westbrook trade every Laker fan has been putting their general manager hat on and trying to figure out how Rob Pelinka is going to build a roster around Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers were already restricted financially and are now really restricted with the superstar trio accounting for more than $120 million in combined salary. There are not a lot of options for the Los Angeles…