The Los Angeles Lakers made a big deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers before the NBA Trade Deadline. Here are grades for both teams on the deal.
I was listening to the Zach Lowe podcast on ESPN yesterday when he and all-knowing insider Adrian Wojnarowski talking about the trade deadline. There were many anticipated switches including the infamous 2018 unprotected Brooklyn Nets pick acquired in the Kyrie Irving trade.
Little did I know Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka would shake up a part of the Lakers young core to prepare for the upcoming years. Wojnarowski confirmed the trade at 12 P.M. ET. Here is a snapshot of the trade:
As you can see, the Lakers were able to accomplish both of their goals at the trade deadline. By moving both Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr., the Lakers were able to clear enough cap space due to the two contracts that they took back from the Cavaliers, which are both expiring. Also, getting a first round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft accomplished another goal for the organization.
For the Cavaliers, they hope that Nance and Clarkson will be upgrades for their bench. Both players have done well for the Lakers this season, and they will now be asked to play important minutes on a championship contender in the Eastern Conference.
This was certainly the biggest deal of the day, as the Cavaliers also made a few other deals to help get younger.
So… who won and who lost?