Best Los Angeles Lakers trades of all time: 7. Landing Bob McAdoo
McAdoo was a tremendous scorer early in his career, capturing three scoring titles, each with over 30 PPG, and making five all-star teams. But by the 1980-81 season, injuries limited him to just 16 games and had impacted his effectiveness. For the first time since his rookie year he dropped below 20 PPG, averaging only 10 points in a season he split between the Pistons and Nets.
With the Lakers, his outside shooting touch became a valuable weapon. The 6-9 Big Mac thrived in a reserve role for four seasons, providing instant offense off the bench whether spelling Kareem at center or moving over to power forward.
LA made the Finals each year and captured two titles with McAdoo averaging 12 PPG in 20 minutes of action. He was especially strong for the 1982 title team when he averaged 16.7 PPG in the playoffs
Williams, meanwhile, was traded before he played a game for the Nets. He played five undistinguished NBA seasons for five different teams, averaging just 5 PPG.
Clearly, this trade was a big plus for the Los Angeles Lakers.