Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers do this deal out of desperation. It can’t be overstated: they’ve got to do something.

If this goes well for them, it could make their season. Let’s assume Lowry splits the difference between his prime production and his postseason hardships. The Lakers now at least have a floor general who makes good decisions and spaces the floor. He’ll be a perfect fit alongside LeBron James.

Meanwhile, the Lakers may be able to make up for Robinson’s defensive limitations more easily than the Miami Heat could. Bam Adebayo is a strong defensive big, but he doesn’t offer Anthony Davis’ rim protection. Furthermore, Robinson is at least the type of reliable floor-spacer the Lakers should have surrounding James.

It’s not an inspiring deal. It doesn’t form the unstoppable world-beater the Lakers surely hoped they’d become by landing Westbrook. On the other hand, it does give them a better-fitting roster.

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If LeBron James stays in peak form, that might be all they need to get back in the title race.