Every blockbuster trade isn’t going to work out in the long run.
Persistent injuries, inconsistent play, and poor utilization by stubborn coaches can result in a contributor underperforming with his new team.
According to a Los Angeles Lakers writer, there’s a particular blockbuster trade that’s still haunting the franchise five years later.
“After winning the NBA championship in a chaotic 2019-20 season, Rob Pelinka decided his Los Angeles Lakers needed more to repeat,” Lake Show Life’s Svyatoslav Rovenchuk wrote Monday.
“Instead of running it back, the Lakers general manager went all-in on reinforcements. That led to a Dennis Schroder trade that still haunts the Lakers today.”
“The Lakers dealt Danny Green and the draft rights of Jaden McDaniels to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for the services of Schroder.
“After famously turning down a big contract extension, Schroder only stuck around in Los Angeles for one season during that stint. The former Lakers guard averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, and 1.1 steals per game.”
While Schroder was far from terrible with the Lakers, it’s challenging to witness McDaniels’ ascension to defensive stardom in Minnesota (he earned an All-Defensive second-team selection in 2024) and ignore Los Angeles’ costly 2020 mistake.
To make matters even worse, McDaniels has also developed into a formidable offensive threat alongside Anthony Davis and Julius Randle.
The Washington product, known for his patience and ability to play off two feet, is averaging 18.6 points per game on 55.9% field goal shooting and 54.1% three-point shooting through 10 contests this season.
The Lakers, who rank 23rd in three-point shooting efficiency and 16th in points allowed per game, could use a three-and-D wing like McDaniels on their current roster.
Unfortunately, the organization fumbled its opportunity to land him half a decade ago.
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