The Worst Trade in Lakers History: A Deep Dive into NBA's Blockbuster Trades
Basketball fans are no strangers to trades in the NBA. Over the years, many blockbuster trades have occurred, altering the landscape of numerous franchises. These trades can either propel teams to the finals or lead them into long, painful rebuilding phases. While some trades are considered grand successes, others may be best categorized as colossal failures. This article explores what many believe to be the worst trade in Los Angeles Lakers history, alongside a retrospective of significant trades over the last decade, dissecting the winners, losers, and what constitutes a catastrophic miscalculation.
The Lakers and Anthony Davis: An Overpay or a Necessity?
In 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers made headlines by acquiring superstar Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. This transaction sent a young core of players, including Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram, alongside three first-round draft picks—one of which was the fourth overall pick at that time—to New Orleans. The Lakers rendered themselves immediate championship contenders by having both LeBron James and Davis on their roster. This risky gamble paid off when the Lakers captured their 17th NBA championship in 2020.
However, in hindsight, this trade raises significant questions about its overall value. The Pelicans received an immense package that included the entire young core of the Lakers, but only one player, Brandon Ingram, remains relevant in the franchise today. The trade's lopsided nature is further underscored by the fact that the Pelicans failed to capitalize on their newfound assets effectively.
Despite the immediate success, the Lakers would struggle in the subsequent seasons, exacerbated by injuries and poor decisions, especially the controversial trade for Russell Westbrook. Although the initial trade seemed justifiable, it leaves lingering doubts about the long-term benefits for both franchises.
James Harden's trades are another familiar theme featuring prominently in discussions about poor trades. When he was sent from the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a four-team trade, the Rockets amassed three first-round picks and four pick swaps. The deal was celebrated initially for launching medical curiosity regarding the Nets' new "Big Three" with Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving. But as it turned out, this move didn’t go as planned, with the trio playing together for just a scant number of games.
Following Harden's mid-season departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Nets were left grappling with remnants of a partnership that never truly flourished. The Rockets, on the other hand, found themselves set for a rebirth, benefitting tremendously from the draft assets gained in the Harden deal.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Bold Move for Donovan Mitchell
One notable success of recent trades was the Cleveland Cavaliers’ acquisition of Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. The Cavaliers sent a package including two first-round picks and other role players for the star guard, marking one of the most favorable trades in the last few years. Since joining Cleveland, Mitchell has emerged as a leader, earning MVP votes and propelling the Cavaliers to the top of the Eastern Conference, demonstrating that the Jazz may have undervalued his potential.
Another player whose trades are scrutinized is Kyrie Irving, particularly his move from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks. Initially, there was skepticism about whether he would be able to coexist with Dallas’s superstar, Luka Dončić. However, the duo has flourished, culminating in a deep playoff run last season, raising both teams' stakes in challenging for a championship.
The trade cost the Mavericks a minimal return—just a first-round pick and two second-round picks—signifying a low-risk, high-reward scenario that has proven effective for the franchise as they aim for another title run.
The discussion would be incomplete without mentioning Russell Westbrook, often cited as one of the worst trades in NBA history. Acquired by the Lakers in an attempt to elevate the team's performance, Westbrook's tenure turned disastrous. His arrival disrupted team chemistry, leading to their worst season since 2016, and ultimately concluding with Westbrook being traded after less than two years with the franchise.
This trade stands out not just because of the assets the Lakers surrendered but due to the expectations attached to Westbrook's arrival—namely, the team's hopes to reclaim championship glory. Instead, the trade became a series of missed opportunities, tarnishing the legacy of both Westbrook and the franchise.
The analysis of these trades reveals a common thread: while they may seem like smart moves in the moment, their outcomes often depend on myriad factors, including team chemistry, player performance, and the ability to develop young talent. As the Lakers embark on their journey for reclamation, many eyes remain set on how these trades will resonate over the long term—teaching valuable lessons about the risks and rewards of NBA trades.
Fans and analysts alike are continually left wondering: could a more prudent decision have spared franchises from pain and hardship? Only time will tell as the legacy of each trade continues to unfold and shape the future of basketball in the years to come.
Part 1/9:
The Worst Trade in Lakers History: A Deep Dive into NBA's Blockbuster Trades
Basketball fans are no strangers to trades in the NBA. Over the years, many blockbuster trades have occurred, altering the landscape of numerous franchises. These trades can either propel teams to the finals or lead them into long, painful rebuilding phases. While some trades are considered grand successes, others may be best categorized as colossal failures. This article explores what many believe to be the worst trade in Los Angeles Lakers history, alongside a retrospective of significant trades over the last decade, dissecting the winners, losers, and what constitutes a catastrophic miscalculation.
The Lakers and Anthony Davis: An Overpay or a Necessity?
Part 2/9:
In 2019, the Los Angeles Lakers made headlines by acquiring superstar Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans. This transaction sent a young core of players, including Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, and Brandon Ingram, alongside three first-round draft picks—one of which was the fourth overall pick at that time—to New Orleans. The Lakers rendered themselves immediate championship contenders by having both LeBron James and Davis on their roster. This risky gamble paid off when the Lakers captured their 17th NBA championship in 2020.
Part 3/9:
However, in hindsight, this trade raises significant questions about its overall value. The Pelicans received an immense package that included the entire young core of the Lakers, but only one player, Brandon Ingram, remains relevant in the franchise today. The trade's lopsided nature is further underscored by the fact that the Pelicans failed to capitalize on their newfound assets effectively.
Despite the immediate success, the Lakers would struggle in the subsequent seasons, exacerbated by injuries and poor decisions, especially the controversial trade for Russell Westbrook. Although the initial trade seemed justifiable, it leaves lingering doubts about the long-term benefits for both franchises.
James Harden: The Trade That Keeps on Giving
Part 4/9:
James Harden's trades are another familiar theme featuring prominently in discussions about poor trades. When he was sent from the Houston Rockets to the Brooklyn Nets as part of a four-team trade, the Rockets amassed three first-round picks and four pick swaps. The deal was celebrated initially for launching medical curiosity regarding the Nets' new "Big Three" with Harden, Kevin Durant, and Kyrie Irving. But as it turned out, this move didn’t go as planned, with the trio playing together for just a scant number of games.
Part 5/9:
Following Harden's mid-season departure to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Nets were left grappling with remnants of a partnership that never truly flourished. The Rockets, on the other hand, found themselves set for a rebirth, benefitting tremendously from the draft assets gained in the Harden deal.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Bold Move for Donovan Mitchell
Part 6/9:
One notable success of recent trades was the Cleveland Cavaliers’ acquisition of Donovan Mitchell from the Utah Jazz. The Cavaliers sent a package including two first-round picks and other role players for the star guard, marking one of the most favorable trades in the last few years. Since joining Cleveland, Mitchell has emerged as a leader, earning MVP votes and propelling the Cavaliers to the top of the Eastern Conference, demonstrating that the Jazz may have undervalued his potential.
The Questionable Fate of Kyrie Irving
Part 7/9:
Another player whose trades are scrutinized is Kyrie Irving, particularly his move from the Brooklyn Nets to the Dallas Mavericks. Initially, there was skepticism about whether he would be able to coexist with Dallas’s superstar, Luka Dončić. However, the duo has flourished, culminating in a deep playoff run last season, raising both teams' stakes in challenging for a championship.
The trade cost the Mavericks a minimal return—just a first-round pick and two second-round picks—signifying a low-risk, high-reward scenario that has proven effective for the franchise as they aim for another title run.
The Russell Westbrook Debacle
Part 8/9:
The discussion would be incomplete without mentioning Russell Westbrook, often cited as one of the worst trades in NBA history. Acquired by the Lakers in an attempt to elevate the team's performance, Westbrook's tenure turned disastrous. His arrival disrupted team chemistry, leading to their worst season since 2016, and ultimately concluding with Westbrook being traded after less than two years with the franchise.
This trade stands out not just because of the assets the Lakers surrendered but due to the expectations attached to Westbrook's arrival—namely, the team's hopes to reclaim championship glory. Instead, the trade became a series of missed opportunities, tarnishing the legacy of both Westbrook and the franchise.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale of Trades
Part 9/9:
The analysis of these trades reveals a common thread: while they may seem like smart moves in the moment, their outcomes often depend on myriad factors, including team chemistry, player performance, and the ability to develop young talent. As the Lakers embark on their journey for reclamation, many eyes remain set on how these trades will resonate over the long term—teaching valuable lessons about the risks and rewards of NBA trades.
Fans and analysts alike are continually left wondering: could a more prudent decision have spared franchises from pain and hardship? Only time will tell as the legacy of each trade continues to unfold and shape the future of basketball in the years to come.