Lake Show Life
Fansided

The missed Los Angeles Lakers trade that could have won multiple titles

By Jason Reed

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the bench during the second half in Game Five of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on June 01, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JUNE 01: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts on the bench during the second half in Game Five of the Western Conference first-round playoff series at Phoenix Suns Arena on June 01, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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Los Angeles Lakers
Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers /

It is impossible to call the LeBron James-Anthony Davis duo a failure for the Los Angeles Lakers. At the end of the day, the duo brought home the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2020 and that alone means that this has been a success.

However, it is impossible to feel like the Lakers missed on a much bigger championship window. Injuries plagued the team in 2021 and then the front office over-corrected by trading for Russell Westbrook ahead of the 2021-22 season.

Westbrook not only doesn’t fit well in LA but his contract kept the team from adding quality depth and is going to continue to restrict the team as he is making $47 million next season. Unless Westbrook completely reinvents himself (not likely) then that trade alone may have closed the Lakers title window.

If the Los Angeles Lakers made a different trade then they may have won multiple more championships

Of course, we are operating with the benefit of hindsight but there is one trade that was actually on the table for the Los Angeles Lakers that the team did not make. That is a mistake that the Lakers are going to remember for quite some time as it completely changed the trajectory of the team moving forward.

In the following pages, we are going to break down that massive missed trade and explain why it could have not only led to a championship last season but would have likely resulted in another title either this season or next season.

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