Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Golden State Warriors Receive: C Myles Turner
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Draymond Green, G/F Buddy Hield
If one was to do a case study on the different ways that NBA champions can be built, one may compare and contrast the Golden State Warriors and the Los Angeles Lakers.
The Warriors’ recent dynastic run was mostly homegrown. Granted, they did sign Kevin Durant for two of their title runs, but that was only after building a champion through the draft. Last year’s title run solidified their case as the best current-day example of a “built” champion.
By contrast, the Lakers “bought” their 2019-20 championship. In fact, none of the most important players to that run had been drafted by the organization. That’s not a knock on them – a championship is a championship.
The success of each organization only speaks to the multitude of ways a champion can be built. With that said, the Warriors will enter the 2022-23 season as distinct contenders.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers & Indiana Pacers Updates
The Lakers will be title hopefuls, but having won 34 games in 2021-22, many fans will doubt their odds.
Does this deal improve them?
