DONE DEAL: Lakers Just Announced Another Great Trade Which Puts More Threat to Opposing Teams
By Jordan Blackwell, Sports Editor – November 24, 2024
In a move that has shaken the NBA landscape, the Los Angeles Lakers announced a blockbuster trade today that further strengthens their already talented roster, making them an even more formidable force in the Western Conference. General Manager Rob Pelinka pulled off another masterstroke, adding a key piece to the Lakers’ championship aspirations. The deal, which was finalized earlier this morning, involves a trade for veteran forward DeMar DeRozan from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Russell Westbrook, Max Christie, and a future first-round pick.
This trade has sent shockwaves through the NBA, with experts and fans alike buzzing over how it bolsters the Lakers’ depth and adds another potent offensive weapon alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. DeRozan, a four-time All-Star and one of the league’s most consistent scorers, will give the Lakers another elite option in their starting lineup or off the bench, depending on Coach Darvin Ham’s rotation plans.
Lakers’ New Threat
The addition of DeRozan is a game-changer for the Lakers in several ways. First and foremost, his ability to score efficiently in a variety of ways — from mid-range jumpers to attacking the basket — will provide an instant boost to a team that has occasionally struggled to find scoring consistency beyond LeBron James and Davis. DeRozan is averaging 23.5 points per game this season for the Bulls and is shooting 50% from the field, including a blistering 39% from three-point range. His offensive skill set complements the Lakers’ big men, as he can space the floor and take pressure off the team’s primary ball handlers.
“This is a huge move for us,” said LeBron James, who has long praised DeRozan’s game. “DeMar is a proven winner, a scorer, and someone who can step up in clutch moments. He’s a guy you can trust when the game’s on the line. Having him on our side makes us so much tougher to guard.”
Additionally, DeRozan’s leadership and experience will be invaluable for the Lakers, who have a mix of veterans and young talent. His poise under pressure and veteran savvy add another layer of maturity to a team that’s already seen its fair share of playoff battles in recent years.
The Price for DeRozan
While the Lakers undoubtedly get the better end of the deal, the trade does come at a cost. Russell Westbrook, who had a tumultuous stint with the Lakers but had improved significantly over the past season, heads to Chicago. Westbrook’s departure leaves the Lakers with a hole at the point guard position, but Pelinka seems confident that the addition of DeRozan’s scoring ability and his versatility will make up for the loss.
“We’ve always said that we’ll make moves that give us the best chance to win now, and this was one of those moves,” Pelinka said during a press conference following the trade announcement. “DeMar’s skill set is unique, and he brings something we’ve been missing — a consistent scorer who can work off the ball and in isolation. Our primary goal is to put together a team that is deep, dynamic, and can compete at the highest level, and we believe this trade accomplishes that.”
Max Christie, the Lakers’ promising young guard, was also included in the deal. While his potential was tantalizing, his lack of immediate impact this season made him a movable asset in Pelinka’s eyes. The Lakers’ front office clearly feels that DeRozan’s immediate contribution outweighs the future development of Christie, especially with championship aspirations this season.
What This Means for the Lakers’ Championship Hopes
The Lakers are already considered a contender in the West, thanks to the health and play of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as well as their solid supporting cast. However, the addition of DeRozan now places them firmly in the conversation as one of the favorites to represent the West in the NBA Finals.
“We’re not just looking at this season,” said head coach Darvin Ham. “We’re looking at how we can win multiple championships in the next few years, and DeMar brings a skill set that fits seamlessly with the championship-caliber mentality we’ve been building. His veteran experience alongside the leadership of LeBron and AD gives us an edge that no other team in the West can match.”
The move to acquire DeRozan has sent a clear message to the rest of the NBA: the Lakers are all-in for a title this season, and they’re not resting on their laurels. With the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors all jockeying for position in the competitive Western Conference, the Lakers’ new additions have solidified their place as one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
As the Lakers look ahead to a tough stretch of games, the addition of DeRozan might be the missing piece they need to push past the competition and contend for another NBA championship. The veteran forward’s ability to score in various ways and his leadership on and off the court could be exactly what the Lakers need to finally close the gap on their biggest rivals.
In the high-stakes world of NBA trades, Rob Pelinka has once again shown that the Lakers are ready to do whatever it takes to compete for another title — and the rest of the league will now have to reckon with a much more formidable Lakers squad.
