Instant winners and losers from 2023 NBA trade deadline (updated)

Los Angeles Lakers – Winner

Players acquired: D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, Jarred Vanderbilt, Davon Reed

The Los Angeles Lakers have done well even if they don’t make another move. But they could still have one more left in them. Nevertheless, by essentially only trading Russell Westbrook and one of their future first-round picks, the Lakers have completely retooled their supporting cast around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

D’Angelo Russell should immediately help their spacing, Malike Beasley should help their shooting, and Jarred Vanderbilt and Mo Bamba should help their frontcourt depth. I’m not sure if these moves will make the Lakers a contender but they will give the team a chance.

And, more than anything, that’s what the trade deadline needed most. A chance. That’s exactly what the Lakers needed.