The Los Angeles Lakers finally struck their deadline deal, netting two expiring contracts and opening plenty of cap space.
A season of trade speculation for the Los Angeles Lakers finally came to an end on the day of the 2018 NBA Trade Deadline with their goal of opening cap space. The Lakers kicked off trade deadline day by sending Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr. to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye and Cleveland’s 2018 first round pick.
This deal fit the needs of both teams and their franchise plans. The Lakers wanted to shed Clarkson’s remaining two years on his four-year, $50 million contract. The loss of Nance hurts a little given he was improving and on a cheap rookie deal, but he was the sweetener in the deal and the Lakers are loaded in the frontcourt.
The Cavs received necessary bench help and getting Thomas out of their rotation is a big win for their team outlook. Frye was loved by his teammates, but he didn’t play much this season and Nance is clear upgrade for their bench.
I have written several articles about my hope for the Lakers sticking with their current roster for the rest of the season, and am slightly bummed about the move. Clarkson and Nance were two of the three longest-tenured Lakers and had the best two-man game on the team.
But the chance to sign Paul George and LeBron James is too great to pass up. The rumors are too loud to ignore. Heck, even PG-13 himself has talked about playing for the Lakers this season. With the Lakers stating their intentions for this summer with this trade, here are the three biggest takeaways from the deal.