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.