Los Angeles Lakers: The 12 best trades in franchise history

EL SEGUNDO, CA - SEPTEMBER 25: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers laughs as he holds two NBA Finals Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy's as he poses for a photograph with teammates Pau Gasol #16 and Derek Fisher #2 during Media Day at the Toyota Center on September 25, 2010 in El Segundo, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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Best Los Angeles Lakers trades of all time: 9. Landing Happy Hairston

Hairston remains one of the most under-rated players in Los Angeles Lakers history. Although only 6 foot 7, he was a rebounding machine who averaged double figure rebounds in each of his six Lakers seasons and 12.4 RPG for his LA career.

During his first few years, he was surrounded by three Lakers legends: Elgin Baylor, Jerry West and Wilt Chamberlain. Yet Happy still averaged 15 points per game. And while Wilt gobbled up 19 boards a game, it seemed like Hairston still managed to clean up almost every other rebound.

Hairston was fundamentally sound and never flashy. He was content to be a solid contributor on an excellent team, playing solid defense and never demanding the ball.

The Lakers made the Finals three times with Hairston in the lineup. Most importantly, he was the starting power forward and an integral part of the Lakers first title team in 1972. That was the squad that won a record 33 consecutive games and is considered one of the best teams in NBA history.

The players the Lakers traded away accomplished little. Hewitt went on to average about 6 points and 5 rebounds, mostly for the below-average Pistons, and Hayes played a single unimpressive season in the old American Basketball Association, scoring a mere 3 points per game.

The trade for Hairston was clearly a one-sided victory for the Lakers.

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