NBA Trade Deadline Winners and Losers: The Lakers (and the NBA) Make Big Strides

With the dust settling after one of the busiest trade weeks in NBA history, it’s time to assess who gained the most and who may regret their moves or lack thereof.

The tone for the week was set with Saturday night’s shocking trade, where superstar guard Luka Doncic was sent to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for fellow All-NBA player Anthony Davis. Several other former All-Stars, including De’Aaron Fox (to the San Antonio Spurs), Zach LaVine (to the Sacramento Kings), Jimmy Butler (to the Golden State Warriors), Brandon Ingram (to the Toronto Raptors), and Andrew Wiggins (to the Miami Heat), also changed teams.

Surprisingly, many of the league’s top teams were quiet. The Cleveland Cavaliers, leading the NBA standings, made the most significant move by acquiring De’Andre Hunter from the Atlanta Hawks. However, unless Doncic quickly meshes with LeBron James and the Lakers’ new center, Mark Williams, or Davis meets the Mavericks’ expectations alongside Kyrie Irving, it’s unlikely the title race changed much in the past week.

Still, there’s plenty to discuss in terms of winners and losers at the trade deadline, starting with the blockbuster Doncic trade.

Winner: The Lakers’ New Look

Let’s keep it simple.

Had the Lakers given up Davis, their 2029 and 2031 first-round picks, a swap in 2030, Max Christie, and Dalton Knecht for just Doncic, it would have been viewed as a great deal. That’s how valuable Doncic is after finishing third in MVP voting last season at age 25.

Instead, the Lakers managed to use those picks and young players to acquire not only Doncic but also Williams, who will fill the center role. I’m still uncertain about how strong this Lakers team – currently fifth in the Western Conference, just two games out of third – will be this season. They’re betting on Doncic (coming off a calf strain suffered on Christmas Day) and Williams remaining healthy.

Looking beyond LeBron James’ contract, the Lakers are undoubtedly better positioned for the future with Doncic and the 23-year-old Williams as key pieces.

Winner: The NBA’s On-Court Product

Do you remember when the first few months of the season were dominated by discussions about three-pointers and TV ratings? Now, the talk revolves around the trade frenzy, especially the shockwave from the Doncic-Davis swap.

Players changing teams increases excitement and makes the NBA more unpredictable. It’s the kind of event that keeps fans engaged, just as past big trades like Charles Barkley’s move to the Phoenix Suns did. The Lakers will be must-watch once Doncic returns from his injury, as will the Mavericks with Davis, the Spurs with Fox, and the Warriors with Butler. Midseason trades give the regular season added significance, especially during stretches that might otherwise feel uneventful.

Losers: Midseason Trade Skeptics

Since last summer, many have predicted that trades would be more challenging under the new collective bargaining agreement. Despite this, about 20 trades involving over 60 players have taken place in the past week — roughly one-seventh of the league.

The new salary cap limits made it tougher to complete two-team trades, but teams can still use exceptions to add salary in trades, opening the door for more complex multi-team deals like the Jazz’s involvement in the Doncic-Davis trade.

As we saw this week, the salary cap’s influence doesn’t hinder, but rather encourages, more transactions.

Winners: Buyout Candidates like Simmons and Brown

Post-deadline buyouts are often overrated in terms of their impact on the playoffs, as they generally involve high-profile players in the twilight of their careers. Still, several teams made moves with their sights set on potential buyout candidates.

The Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are among the teams likely to chase players who become available after the trade deadline.