The moves, which have not been made official, open enough space below the NBA’s tax apron for the Lakers to make a competitive offer to free agents like Denver’s Bruce Brown or Golden State’s Dante DiVincenzo — both of whom would be in line for less should they re-sign with their teams.
The $10.3 million owed Bamba and the $2.4 million owed Harrison for next season would have become guaranteed after Thursday. The team also had a Thursday deadline to decide on Beasley’s team option of $16.5 million for next season.
Beasley and Bamba were a part of the Lakers’ trade deadline shakeups, with the Lakers acquiring Beasley as part of the Russell Westbrook trade and Bamba in a deal with Orlando for Patrick Beverley.
Beasley played in 26 games, starting 14, after the trade and averaged 11.1 points on 35.3% three-point shooting. An ankle injury slowed Bamba, who appeared in nine games for the Lakers.
Free agency officially begins Friday at 3 p.m. PDT.