The Lakers' salary cap is in better shape. Other than the Three Giants, the others are on mid-level exceptions, and it's rare to give long-term mid-level exceptions to veterans now. They are given to young players like Ariza and Kwame Brown. This summer, to strengthen the center position after Kwame Brown's weight loss, they gave McDyess a two-year fully guaranteed contract. By the time Gasol's contract expires, his base salary of $8 million, from the recently signed $27 million 3-year contract, will expire just as Garnett's new 3-year $60 million contract starts. Kobe will most likely still earn a maximum salary, but his and Garnett's salaries will definitely decrease, so even if Gasol takes $10 million or more, the total salary of their core four would actually decrease.
Meanwhile, the Bobcats' three minor players plus Millsap, all aged between 20 and 30, will see their salaries increase. By 2012 or 2013, the combined salaries of their core four might incur luxury tax.
