Los Angeles Lakers among the winners of NBA Trade Deadline
The Los Angeles Lakers were among the teams that were winners after the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline.
The Los Angeles Lakers were among the teams to make a deal during a busy NBA Trade Deadline. Overall, there were 12 deals completed on deadline day, and the Lakers were a part of arguably the biggest one.
The Lakers completed a surprising deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Los Angeles acquired point guard Isaiah Thomas, veteran big man Channing Frye and the Cavaliers 2018 first-round pick in exchange for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr.
While people will be upset to see Clarkson and Nance Jr. on the move, this was an excellent trade for the Lakers. They accomplished many of their goals in one transaction.
Everyone knows the Lakers want to be players in free agency, and this trade allows that. Clearing Clarkson and Nance Jr.’s salaries make this possible. The Lakers could have enough space for two max contracts this upcoming summer or in 2019 with just a few more moves. Both Thomas and Frye are both on expiring contracts.
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In addition, the Lakers also added a first round pick in this year’s draft, something they lacked. The Lakers pick will be sent either to the Philadelphia 76ers or Boston Celtics depending on where it lands.
While the pick will be in the mid-late 20’s, that still holds value. The Lakers have done very well selecting late in the first round, selecting Kyle Kuzma and Josh Hart in the 2017 NBA Draft. They will have an opportunity to strike gold once again in 2018 with a late first rounder.
The Lakers were clear winners at the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline. However, they were not the only organization to have a good deadline day.