DYNAMIC DECISION-MAKING IN PROFESSIONAL SPORTS MANAGEMENT BASED ON MULTIDIMENSIONAL VALUE ASSESSMENT AND FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS: A CASE STUDY OF THE LOS ANGELES LAKERS

Abstract

This study addresses the imbalance between athletic performance and economic returns in modern professional basketball management by constructing a dual-objective dynamic decision-making system. First, by decomposing the core objectives of the Los Angeles Lakers, the study establishes a strategic orientation that balances short-term athletic breakthroughs with long-term financial stability. At the player evaluation level, a multidimensional player valuation model was developed, deeply integrating traditional performance metrics with commercial brand value and age-driven injury risk functions, thereby correcting valuation biases toward older or high-commercial-value players inherent in single-metric approaches. Subsequently, a dynamic team financial model was constructed to accurately simulate the progressive luxury tax, repeat luxury tax, and hard salary cap constraints under the 2023 NBA Collective Bargaining Agreement. The results indicate that the Lakers’ current marginal cost of winning has risen significantly due to luxury tax pressures. Based on this, the study employed a multi-objective weighted maximization algorithm to compare and analyze various roster reinforcement strategies, ultimately proposing a functionalist minimalist strategy. By signing rim-protecting centers at the minimum salary and clearing roster space through lightweight contracts, this strategy aims to maximize roster depth and competitive potential without crossing the high-tax threshold. This study provides a scientific, quantitative basis for asset allocation by professional sports organizations operating within a stringent regulatory environment.