Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
The Lakers have a couple of motives in this deal.
We’ll start with the future. They’re landing a protected first-round pick in 2027. Given that they just traded a protected first-rounder in 2027, that’s a valuable asset for them.
With that said, this deal may help the Lakers in the present too. Martin is not as impactful of a player as Vanderbilt, but he may be a better fit with this roster.
In other words, he can shoot. That’s the simplified version of this deal.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Jarred Vanderbilt, Los Angeles Lakers & Miami Heat Updates
The Lakers are trading an elite, young defensive wing/big for a 3-and-D wing and a protected pick. That should be a simple formula for success.