The Brow didn’t come cheap (although the haul for Paul George was substantially more). After several iterations of deals over the past year the final package sent out Brandon Ingram, Lonzo Ball and Josh Hart retaining only Kyle Kuzma from their young group. Additionally, the Lakers coughed up this past draft’s fourth pick (which became De’Andre Hunder and was flipped by Griffin in exchange for two draft picks) and also sent two future first-round picks as well as the option to swap a pick.
Once Kawhi Leonard decided to join the other Staples Center occupant the Lakers jumped into action to fill up the roster. Leonard’s teammate Danny Green had also been in a holding pattern awaiting the decision. If he had returned to Toronto Green was ready to re-sign with the Raptors but with his move to the Clippers, he chose to join the Lakers despite a strong offer from the Mavericks being on the table. His addition was a plus for Pelinka since he brings 3 and D assets to the starting unit. After a failed season without enough shooters surrounding LeBron it was essential the players added were perimeter capable.
DeMarcus Cousins was signed as a free agent to reunite with Davis in the frontcourt but a torn ACL ended his season. In quick response to Cousins’ injury, the Lakers picked up Dwight Howard. Other free agent signings included Avery Bradley, Quinn Cook, Troy Daniels, Jared Dudley, and Demetrius Jackson.
Aside from the youngsters who were traded to the Pelicans another young group (Moritz Wagner, Jemerrio Jones, Isaac Bonga) was traded to the Wizards to create more cap space. In addition, Lance Stephenson, Reggie Bullock, Mike Muscala (signed with Thunder) and Tyson Chandler all signed with other teams.
Players Added:
Free Agency:
G: Avery Bradley
G: Quinn Cook
G: Troy Daniels
G: Demetrius Jackson
G/F: Danny Green
F: Kostas Antetokounmpo (claimed off waivers) **
F: Jared Dudley
C: DeMarcus Cousins
C: Dwight Howard
Trade:
F/C: Anthony Davis (trade with Pelicans)
Rookies:
G: Talen Horton-Tucker (No. 46, via trade from Magic)
Departing Players:
Free Agents:
G: Lance Stephenson (signed with Liaoning Flying Leopards)
G/F: Reggie Bullock (signed with Knicks)
F/C: Mike Muscala (signed with Thunder)
C: Tyson Chandler (signed with Rockets)
F: Johnathan Williams (restricted)
Trade:
G: Lonzo Ball (traded to Pelicans)
G: Isaac Bonga (traded to Wizards)
G: Josh Hart (traded to Pelicans)
F: Brandon Ingram (traded to Pelicans)
F: Jemerrio Jones (traded to Wizards)
C: Moritz Wagner (traded to Wizards)