Anyone else think Stern did the Lakers a favor?

[Greenbean]

And the Lakers are already in the works to land a top power forward. 

With what money?

A very large trade exception if they didn't need to use it to get Howard.


Or the MLE to add a player.

They cant use the trade exception to outright sign players can they? I thought the salary had to be acquired in a trade. If so  who would they trade to get a top power forward?

Even with the trade aren't they tax payers meaning they can only offer the mini MLE like us?

If I am way off base I apologize!