Los Angeles Lakers: Magic Johnson vs. Jerry West in the front office

The negotiations that will affect franchises for years to come

The difference between the trade deadline deals were like night and day! Literally and figuratively, because the Clippers made their huge trade in the middle of the night while the Lakers’ Anthony Davis trade negotiation went on 24/7 to the point it deserved it’s own television network. After their respective trades scenarios were over, they had a deal of their own.

Here’s where Magic Johnson got his clock cleaned by Jerry West.

The Clippers traded Tobias Harris, Mike Scott and Boban Marjanovic to the Sixers for a rookie Landry Shamet and two future first round picks. Also, the Clippers received Wilson Chandler and Mike Muscala (Remember him? Keep him in mind!) and two future second round picks.

This was a shock to many in the NBA circles. Wanna know why? It was done in the middle of the night around 2 AM EST. Nobody knew about the negotiations. What was even crazier about the situation was that Tobias Harris just hit a game winner hours earlier.

The deal was done because the Clippers knew Harris wanted close to a max level deal that they weren’t comfortable with. They wanted the flexibility to chase max level free agents in the offseason.

The Lakers trade negotiations were a reality show for all sports networks. Not a day went by without a report talking about if the Lakers made phone calls, or how many players were being included in the trade to land Anthony Davis.

Then the story changed to if the Pelicans picked up the phone. Anthony Davis’ father then got involved. Then Rich Paul, LeBron James’ agent made statements. You get the point. By the time the saga was over, so was the Lakers season. We all just didn’t know it yet.

Then that trade between the two executives.

In a trade that will stick with Magic Johnson until he delivers on a major free agent, the Lakers traded Ivica Zubac and Michael Beasley to the Clippers for Mike Muscala. Then the Clippers promptly waived Beasley and obtained the Lakers best center for a cheaper price than they would have paid Muscala.

It was understood that the move was opening up a roster spot for Carmelo Anthony. Only Anthony never made it to the roster and neither has Muscala’s jump shot.

Now the Clippers have even more cap space than the Lakers at this point to go after say, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving…you know all the players that the Lakers are bidding for in the offseason.

Finally what sets the two teams in Los Angeles apart.