San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Doug McDermott, G/F Josh Richardson, C Jakob Poeltl
After a horrendous 2021-22 season, much of the blame for the Los Angeles Lakers’ failures fell on Russell Westbrook’s shoulders.
Surely, he deserved plenty of it. With that said, Anthony Davis’ performance left much to be desired as well. Granted, he was injured for much of the season and looked compromised by injury when he was available. Regardless, the Lakers had better hope he looks healthy throughout 2022-23.
No matter what moves they make this summer, they won’t be playing for the championship if he doesn’t resemble his former self.
If he does, trading for depth might prove to be a wise decision. This trade strengthens the Lakers considerably. They’d likely be adding their new starting center in Poeltl.
Furthermore, Doug McDermott is one of the most consistent three-point shooters in the NBA, and Richardson brings a well-rounded 3-and-D plus skillset to the table.
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If Anthony Davis looks like a top 10 player again, that ought to be enough to get them back into title contention. If he doesn’t, in all likelihood, nothing will be.
