Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., F/C Christian Wood, G/F Reggie Bullock 

Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Of course, if you’re going to compare a team’s last two seasons, you’ve got to look at their roster changes. 

The Lakers added Patrick Beverley this summer. That was their major change. It was a sensible one, but apparently, it wasn’t enough to make a meaningful difference. 

Meanwhile, the biggest change the Mavericks made was a loss. It’s obvious that this team is feeling the absence of Jalen Brunson.

It’s difficult to even talk about the Mavericks without using the phrase “secondary ball-handler.” 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Dallas Mavericks & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

The biggest addition the Mavericks made was Christian Wood. So far, that may not be working out either. Wood has made more than one public comment questioning why he’s coming off the bench in Dallas. 

Could the Lakers offer him a starting role?