When AD was traded to LA, most people felt as though the Lakers were fleeced. As a fan of the Lakers, I too thought we gave up just a bit to much because “who were we bidding against”? Ask Pat Riley how that turned out for the Heat. (Although that trade isn’t looking too good for MKE right about now).
Anyway, let’s take a look at what is left from the Pelicans haul.
Brandon Ingram, CJ McCollumn (sort of), Herb Jones (sort of), Dyson Daniels, and a 2025 1st.
Jaxson Hayes is now on the Lakers and playing well in preseason, NAW is on the TWolves and playing very well. Lonzo was traded for Devonte Graham, Satoransky, Garrett Temple and a 2nd.
David Griffin was thought of extremely highly back in 2020, but his mismanagement of assets, poor drafting, and lack of success in developing a good culture in New Orleans has been down right atrocious since.
A big point that people forget is that before the AD trade in the offseason, the Lakers almost got AD at the trade deadline with Magic negotiating with the Pelicans. His offer at the deadline was for more steep than what the Lakers ended up giving up in the end. The original offer included Kuzma, Rondo, and more picks on top of giving Lonzo and Ingram. That trade was legitimately a win for the Lakers, they gave up less and won a chip with AD.