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Why the Lakers not making a trade at the deadline is a great thing

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers react during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 03: Talen Horton-Tucker #5 and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers react during the second half against the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on February 03, 2022 in Los Angeles, 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 Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Despite having an extremely underwhelming season thus far, the Los Angeles Lakers ultimately did not make a trade by the time the 2022 NBA trade deadline passed. For some fans this was disappointing as the Lakers seemingly needed a shot in the arm to turn things around and stayed inactive instead.

While being upset by the inactivity is understandable, this was actually a good thing for the Lakers. With how the market unfolded, the Lakers were wise to simply hold tight and hope that things turn around.

They probably won’t turn around, but hey, you can always hope when you have one of the greatest players of all time.

3 reasons why the Los Angeles Lakers not making a trade at the deadline is a great thing:

1. There is still the buyout market

The deadline has passed and now coming is the buyout market. Several high-priced contracts will eventually be bought out by their old/new teams and those players will look to provide a spark for a contending.

The Lakers are not as good of a buyout destination as they were the last two seasons but they still present a player the chance to compete on a massive stage that could improve their value for the upcoming offseason.

The Lakers were not going to get a huge improvement at the deadline and anyone the team did bring in via trade is probably just going to have the same impact as any future buyout targets. Why spend an asset for someone who you could end up getting for just the cost of his salary (and the extra luxury tax implications)?

That is not the only reason why the Lakers’ patience was a good thing.

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