Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal 

On the flip side, bottoming out for the 2023 Draft isn’t an option for the Los Angeles Lakers. 

There’s one simple reason for that – they don’t own their own pick. The New Orleans Pelicans will be selecting in their place, so the Lakers have no incentive to lose. Moreover, even if they did own their pick, rostering a 37-year-old LeBron James gives them every reason to focus on the present. 

This deal ought to help them in that sense. Kristaps Porzingis feels like a great addition alongside Anthony Davis. His floor spacing compensates for Davis’ lack thereof. Moreover, his strong rim protection in drop coverage will allow Davis to freelance at the 4 as he seems to prefer to. 

Don’t sleep on Will Barton either. He’s a nice addition to this squad. He provides a semblance of secondary playmaking to alleviate the pressure on James. Unlike Westbrook, he spaces the floor by doing so. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Los Angeles Lakers & Washington Wizards Updates

Acquiring them both ought to get the Lakers back to competing for the NBA title in 2022-23. That’s perfect – after all, any lesser outcome will inevitably be viewed as a disappointment.