How This Trade Impacts Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers have done a total 180-degree turn when it comes to filling out the roster this offseason compared to last year. In 2021, they focused on bringing in veterans around LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook and the plan backfired. They were all beyond their prime and it showed when they were on the court.
This year, Los Angeles focused on bringing in some younger players. Lonnie Walker IV, Damian Jones, Troy Brown Jr. and Juan Toscano-Anderson are all 29 years old or younger. The focus was on improving the athleticism and defense on the wing, which the Lakers needed more of.
In this deal with the Phoenix Suns, they continue rounding out their wing rotation with a veteran in Jae Crowder. He has some experience playing alongside James from his stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers and is a good fit for what Los Angeles needs around their Big 3.
Jae Crowder is a solid 3-point shooter, knocking down 34.6 percent of his attempts in his career. He is also a versatile defender, which the team is desperate for. Crowder can defend either forward spot and wing players, taking pressure off of James, who the team needs to save as much as possible during the regular season.
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At this point, the Lakers should be willing to part with a first-round pick for a clear upgrade. They will probably hold out hope of acquiring Kyrie Irving, but that seems like a longshot. So, they pivot and make a deal involving Talen Horton-Tucker and a 2026 first-round pick.
Horton-Tucker failed to take that next step last season, actually regressing in some areas. He hasn’t proven he can space the floor, which Los Angeles needs. So, he is traded for someone that can.
