No extension likely for Jordan Farmar
The Lakers have until October 31 to change their minds and offer a contract extension to Jordan Farmar, but I'd be surprised if they did. As a result, he'll likely enter next summer as a restricted free agent. Given the combination of current payroll and future obligations (for example, that Pau Gasol guy is going to need a new deal soon enough), the Lakers are undoubtedly approaching these situations with caution. Committing to Farmar if they're not convinced he'll be a major cog down the road- they're not, nor should they be- doesn't make much sense for the Lakers.
The risk is fairly minimal. It's unlikely Farmar will play so well that he'd command big bucks next summer in a crowded market, and if he's great, the Lakers can call him their PG of the future and are less likely to mind matching an offer. Everyone's a winner. Finally, not extending Farmar makes it much easier for the Lakers to move him this year if the opportunity arises. A multi-year extension makes that tough.It's all about flexibility.