The Lakers are unlikely to waive Shake Milton for a good cause.

The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most storied franchises in NBA history, are known for their calculated roster moves and strategic player acquisitions. Every decision made by the Lakers’ front office is geared toward improving the team’s competitiveness while maintaining financial flexibility. One player currently under scrutiny is Shake Milton, a guard who has yet to find a consistent role with the team. Given the Lakers’ championship aspirations, many wonder whether the team might waive Milton to create roster space, possibly for a noble reason. However, such a move appears unlikely for several key reasons.

Shake Milton’s Potential Value to the Lakers

Shake Milton is a versatile guard who has shown flashes of scoring ability, playmaking, and defensive potential throughout his career. While he has yet to establish himself as a regular contributor in the Lakers’ rotation, his skill set aligns with what the team often seeks in role players—namely, shooting, ball-handling, and the ability to play multiple positions.

The Lakers’ roster depth has been a concern in recent seasons, especially at the guard position. Injuries to key players, including stars like LeBron James and Anthony Davis, have made it crucial to have reliable depth. Milton, at 6’5” with a solid offensive skill set, provides a viable backup option in case of injuries or fatigue issues for starting guards.

Moreover, Milton’s contract situation plays a significant role in the Lakers’ decision-making process. If he is on a manageable deal that doesn’t severely impact the salary cap, waiving him without a clear alternative may not be a wise move. The Lakers need every asset possible to remain competitive, and parting with a potentially valuable bench player without a direct upgrade does not align with their typical operational strategy.

The Lakers’ Roster Flexibility and Cap Considerations

The Lakers have consistently maneuvered within the NBA’s salary cap constraints to maximize their roster’s effectiveness. Waiving a player like Shake Milton would mean taking a financial hit, particularly if his contract is guaranteed. Such a move would only make sense if there were a pressing reason, such as signing a high-impact free agent or acquiring a player through a trade.

Moreover, roster spots are valuable, and waiving Milton without ensuring an upgrade would be counterproductive. If the Lakers believe he can contribute even minimally, it makes sense to retain him rather than waive him for an uncertain benefit.

Why a “Good Cause” May Not Be Enough

There have been instances in NBA history where teams have made personnel decisions for reasons beyond basketball—such as granting a veteran player an opportunity elsewhere or making space for a feel-good signing. However, the Lakers are a franchise with a win-now mentality. Their focus is on championship contention, and every decision must align with that goal.

If a “good cause” involves waiving Milton to create room for a player with sentimental or off-court value, it would require serious consideration from the front office. While such gestures can be applauded, they are rare among title-contending teams unless the move aligns with their competitive objectives.

The Lakers’ History of Strategic Roster Moves

The Lakers have a long history of making pragmatic roster decisions. Even when dealing with fan-favorite players, they have prioritized on-court performance over sentimentality. Recent examples include letting go of players like Alex Caruso and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope despite their contributions to the 2020 championship run. These moves, while unpopular, were made with the team’s future success in mind.

If Milton remains on the roster, it is because the Lakers see potential value in him. If they were to waive him, it would likely be for a specific competitive reason rather than a purely altruistic one.

While the idea of waiving Shake Milton for a good cause may sound commendable, it is unlikely given the Lakers’ competitive priorities. Milton provides depth, potential, and financial considerations that make retaining him a logical choice. Unless the Lakers identify a clear roster upgrade, they are unlikely to part ways with him for reasons unrelated to basketball. Ultimately, every move the Lakers make is driven by the pursuit of another championship, and Milton’s fate will be decided with that objective in mind.