The Los Angeles Lakers have always been one team at the top of the trade market.
Most people around the league knew they needed help, and they finally went out and got some.
In a trade with the Washington Wizards, the Lakers acquired forward Rui Hachimura for Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks.
This deal came as a surprise to many because it was unclear that Hachimura was on the Lakers’ radar.
Incredible how quickly a young player's value can decline. Rui Hachimura was the 9th pick in 2019, he's still just 24 years old, and scored 30 points literally just two nights ago.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 23, 2023
Coming off his best game of the season, the Lakers decided it was time to pounce on the former first-round pick.
Plus, he is still young enough (24 years old) that the Lakers can continue to develop him.
Lakers fans hearing the news pic.twitter.com/9fYYfbyyBn
— Hard Rock Sportsbook (@HardRockSB) January 23, 2023
Lakers fans have been clamoring for this team to make a trade since the offseason.
Now with their record of 22-25, if they wanted to get back to the playoffs this year, a deal had to be made.
Laker fans after Rob Pelinka finally does something useful pic.twitter.com/8sxxpDVqPw
— Playmaker (@playmaker) January 23, 2023
Plenty of credit has to be given to the Lakers’ front office and general manager Rob Pelinka.
He knew the team needed help and jumped on an opportunity to pick up a young contributor.
But, the work should not stop here for Pelinka.
The Lakers still need shooting help, and Hachimura does not fit that role.
While he can knock down some open threes, that is not his calling card.
I don't even think Lakers fans realize how good of a trade this is lol
— . (@Kd7_Szn) January 23, 2023
In this deal, the Lakers gave up Nunn, who is only averaging 6.7 points per game.
Plus three second-round picks, that more often than not turn into nothing or role players in the NBA.
It is hard not to like this buy-low deal for Hachimura, and it will be interesting to see how he fits with his new team.
NEXT: NBA Insider Reveals Long-Awaited Lakers Trade