Every team in the league wants the Lakers to be terrible for as long as possible. It’s understandable. The Lakers have been a franchise full of success that spans 20 of 30 years. That in itself sounds crazy, but from 1980 to 2010, the Lakers account for ten championships.
We are spoiled by success.
We are 33% of the leagues championships of the past 30 years. There are twenty-nine other teams still thirsting for a championship.
But, why should anyone trade with the Lakers?
Simple. The Lakers try to create win-win situations for the teams involved. Other teams may think that is not the case. But, let’s look at some critical past trades.
Dec 2, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
In 1996, Vlade Divac was traded for Kobe Bryant. Oh, what a rip off, right? But if you think about it, the Charlotte Hornets needed a center. The Hornets were a 54 win team with Glen Rice, Muggsy Bogues, Vlade Divac, Matt Geiger, Dell Curry, and Anthony Mason. The Lakers needed the cap space and took a risk on a 17-year old guard. While the Hornets missed out on Kobe Bryant, they can’t be too upset considering they were a strong playoff team.
In 2004, the Lakers gave Miami a gift. Shaquille O’Neal was traded to sunny Miami for Lamar Odom, Brian Grant, Caron Butler, and a future first-round pick. This trade is no way in Laker favor. They offered Shaq a nice place to reside on a competitive team. Miami turned out two championships. Shaquille O’Neal made a name for himself away from Kobe Bryant. The Lakers suffered in mediocrity, but at least there were assets the Lakers could work with. Expiring contracts and quality talent was all they wanted, and it worked.
Mar 21, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol (16) dunks in the second half of the game against the Washington Wizards at Staples Center. Wizards won 117-107. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
In 2008, the Lakers acquired Pau Gasol for Kwame Brown, Aaron McKie, Javaris Crittenton, and second-round pick, Marc Gasol. While the trade can be seen as helping the Grizzlies with player contracts to relieve team cap, they still acquired Marc Gasol. Marc grew up in the area and became a top-flight center for Memphis, earning Defensive Player of the Year last season. Memphis has been a top-tier playoff team for several years with the Lakers scrambling trying to find competitive talent.
But, Boston wanted Julius Randle for Rajon Rondo in trade. Are you kidding? Yes, the Lakers in turn asked for Jeff Green and Rajon Rondo for Jordan Hill and Steve Nash. It doesn’t compare in talent, but it does compare in contract. Even then, the trade was far too unbalanced.
However, despite the perception that the Lakers win every trade, it simply isn’t true. They have created win-win scenarios for other teams involved.
It simply wouldn’t have worked to trade with Boston. Helping them win, is a loss in Los Angeles anyway.