Los Angeles Lakers receive: G/F Gary Harris, G/F Terrence Ross, C Mo Bamba, F Chuma Okeke
Orlando Magic Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Of course, tanking has been a particular talking point in NBA circles recently. A look at the upcoming draft class should help you understand why.
By now, you’ve surely heard of Victor Wembanyama. He’s probably the most anticipated NBA prospect since LeBron James. Meanwhile, Scoot Henderson would be the first overall pick in more drafts than not as well. If this were a two-man draft, teams would still tank for it.
It isn’t. Cam Whitmore, Amen Thompson, Nick Smith and others all have franchise-altering potential. If your team is even near the bottom of the standings, don’t be surprised if its best players are taking some suspiciously long rests this season.
On the other hand, the Los Angeles Lakers were near the bottom of the standings in 2021-22. Still, they won’t have any incentive to tank – they don’t own their pick.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers & Orlando Magic Updates
With it owing to the New Orleans Pelicans, the Lakers need to improve at all costs ahead of 2022-23.
Does this deal help them achieve that end?
