Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
There is virtually no question that this deal improves the Lakers. They’re landing two elite floor spacers and a ball-dominant guard who, unlike Westbrook, will be comfortable piloting the second unit. The question is whether it improves them enough to justify parting with two first-round picks.
To be sure, the Lakers are mortgaging a significant portion of their future here. With James being 37, it’s hard to say where this team will be by 2027, let alone 2029. It’s entirely possible that the Lakers are handing the Jazz the opportunity to draft the best 14-year-old in the world at this moment.
That’s a risk they have to take. Again: LeBron James is 37. That puts the Lakers exclusively in win-now mode – they can’t afford to spare any expenses in their efforts to improve.
Besides – they’re the Lakers! This team was in a rut when James decided to sign with them. In all likelihood, they’ll always have some cache. This organization is uniquely able to part with future-focused assets because they have a unique ability to attract talent off the strength of its market size and brand.
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Of course, the Jazz find themselves on the opposite end of that spectrum in Salt Lake City. Does this deal do enough for their future?
