Detroit Pistons Receive: G/F Malik Beasley, C Mo Bamba, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic 

Of course, the Lakers were late to trade Russell Westbrook. At times, it felt like it would never happen. 

It did. At this year’s deadline, the Lakers finally moved Westbrook. The package that they got in return made them a better team. It’s better to be late, etc. 

On the other hand, were the Lakers too late? Sure, this team advanced to the Western Conference Finals. By any normal standard, they had a successful season. 

NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

Unfortunately, LeBron James typically doesn’t have a regular standard. He has a higher one.

It’s hard not to wonder if the Lakers could have had a stronger season if they’d made meaningful roster changes earlier. 

Could they make one to start 2023-24?