The Los Angeles Lakers threaded more trades on Deadline Day. Among other things, Patrick Beverley has to pack his bags.
The guard, who traded from the Utah Jazz last summer, was shipped to the Orlando Magic just before the deadline. In return, the team around superstar LeBron will receive James Center Mo Bamba, who no longer played a role in the Magic’s plans.
Laut Khobi Price (Orlando Sentinel) do not want to keep the Magic Beverley, instead a buyout is in the air. Marc Stein (Substack) then ruled out the possibility that Beverley would thereafter join the Minnesota Timberwolves, for whom he featured last year and where he quickly became a fan favorite.
A few hours earlier, the Lakers also threaded a second deal. Center Thomas Bryant was sent to the Denver Nuggets, with the Big Man taking on the role of backup for double MVP Nikola Jokic. According to Chris Haynes (Bleacher Report) had asked Bryant for a trade as his minutes had dwindled after Anthony Davis returned. Whether Bryant plays much more in the Mile High City can be doubted.
The Lakers received Forward Dazu Reed and three other second-round picks. But Reed shouldn’t see much playing time, Bamba also has to place himself behind Davis in the pecking order and will fight for the few free minutes with Wenyen Gabriel and Jared Vanderbilt.
If you add the Westbrook trade from the previous day, the Lakers brought in five new players and passed on five other players within 24 hours. This leaves a roster spot open for the Lakers and LA should become an important player in the buyout market.
Los Angeles Lakers: The roster at a glance
| Point Guard | Shooting Guard | Small Forward | Power Forward | Center |
| D’Angelo Russell | Austin Reaves | LeBron James | Rui Hachimura | Anthony Davis |
| Dennis Schroeder | Malik Beasley | Lonnie Walker IV | Jarred Vanderbilt | I am Bamba |
| – | Of that Reed | Troy Brown Jr. | – | Dear Gabriel |
| – | Max Christie | – | – |
