The NBA has awarded the Lakers a diabled player exception worth $4.85 million to compensate for the absence of Steve Nash, who will miss the season with recurring nerve issues in his back.
The Lakers may use the exception to sign or trade for a player who is not under contract beyond this season. The exception will expire March 10.
The league previously awarded the Lakers an exception worth roughly $1.5 million for Julius Randle, who broke in his leg in the season opener Oct. 28. The two exception cannot be combined.