What is the room mid-level exception?
A small exception (5.678% of the cap, up to 3 years) for teams that used cap room: after spending their space, they still get this to add one more mid-priced player.
2023 CBA · Art. VII §6(g)
How it works
A team that uses cap room gives up the regular MLEs and bi-annual exception — in exchange it can sign one or more players using the Room MLE ($9,366,000 in 2026-27, up to 3 years) even after its cap space is gone.
The Lakers' current feed state reflects this pattern: room operation first, then a Room MLE signing.
Common questions
Does the Room MLE hard-cap a team?
No — the Room MLE is one of the few exceptions with no apron hard cap attached.
See it enforced, not just explained.
Build a trade or signing and the sim rules on it, with the relevant citation when one applies.