Los Angeles Lakers
Deadline moves: N/A
The Los Angeles Lakers are three games clear of the second-seed at the top of the Western Conference standings, but I can’t help but feel like this was a disappointing deadline day for LeBron James and company.
It’s unfortunate that the Pistons elected not to trade Derrick Rose because he would’ve been an ideal fit in Los Angeles, next to LeBron and Anthony Davis. And the injury to D.J. Augustin also eliminated another potential trade target.
However, if there was one guy the Lakers had a legit shot at it was Marcus Morris. In the end, though, the LA Clippers managed to outbid the Lakers. It’s unfortunate because not only did the Lakers fail to improve their roster, but they also allowed their biggest threat to improve theirs.
The Lakers will likely land a player or two in the buyout market. They’re already reportedly linked to both J.R. Smith and Darren Collison, but I can’t help but wonder if the Lakers lost the NBA Championship on trade deadline day.