The Los Angeles Lakers have a track record of not fixing what isn't broken. Time after time, the Lakers have gone all-in on the big names, even if it meant losing crucial pieces who created a stronger level of depth in the rotation.
Unfortunately, the recent history of Lakers basketball has been marred by not knowing when to stop turning to an approach that is, in fact, breaking the long-term ambitions of the organization.
Since the blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis netted a championship in 2020, the Lakers have attempted to recreate that magic at the point guard position. It's an ambitious approach that's paid off in the past, but repeated failed attempts haven't deterred Los Angeles from trying time and time again.
The latest development in that flawed chapter in Lakers history is attempting to part ways with yet another one of the polarizing acquisitions: D'Angelo Russell.
Jovan Buha of The Athletic reports that the Lakers are actively shopping Russell in trade discussions. Many will agree with the decision based on the 28-year-old's postseason shortcomings, but the rumor speaks to a bigger issue in Los Angeles.
Acquiring Russell and then potentially parting with him within two seasons continues a recent trend that has, unfortunately, included the loss of future assets.
Are Lakers about to trade yet another first-round pick for a point guard?
In 2020, the Lakers sent Danny Green and a first-round draft pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Dennis Schröder. Schröder left Los Angeles the following offseason, while the first-round selection became Minnesota Timberwolves forward and 2023-24 All-Defense honoree Jaden McDaniels.
In 2021, history repeated itself when the Lakers sent Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, and a first-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook lasted slightly longer than Schröder, appearing in 130 games before he was shipped out during his second season with the team. It was at the 2023 NBA Trade Deadline that the Lakers continued the trend by moving Westbrook in a three-team deal.
The Lakers acquired Russell, but in the process, parted with yet another first-round draft pick—and less than two years later, are already looking for ways to trade their latest point guard addition.
It's a revolving door of costly decisions that have yet to provide Los Angeles with a long-term resolution at the point guard position. It's also a prime example of why the Lakers continue to struggle to secure any discernable level of consistency.
During this period of temporary solutions, the Lakers have secured a Conference Finals appearance, two first-round exits, and a missed postseason.
The Lakers haven't won 50 games since their championship season in 2019-20 and haven't advanced past the first round of the playoffs in consecutive seasons since 2011-12. There are an abundance of reasons for that inconsistency, but none are as glaring as the obsession with quick-fix resolutions.
Until the Lakers are willing to put that costly strategy in the rearview, history will continue to repeat itself—and consistent contending will remain elusive.