Report: Lakers Trade Newly Acquired Guard to Knicks in 3-Team Deal

The Los Angeles Lakers sent Rajon Rondo to the Cleveland Cavaliers and got Denzel Valentine. Well, the new guy didn’t spend too much time with the Lakers as they decided to trade the guard to the New York Knicks.

Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN reported that the Lakers will send Valentine to the Knicks through a three-year deal with Cleveland. New York is also getting $1.1 million and two draft-rights assets. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka is saving $4 million in salary and luxury tax, and the Lakers also have an open roster spot. The Lakers got the best of this deal. Who is coming to LA? Will other players leave the team?

The Knicks saved the Lakers approximately $4M in salary and luxury tax — and give LA the open roster spot that they wanted with the Rondo deal. Adding Valentine to deal gets his entire salary and tax off LA's books. https://t.co/g7x5Leb2ui

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 3, 2022

Enter Stanley Johnson. He seems to be the best option for the team right now. The team offered him a 10-year deal and Johnson did an excellent job. Head coach Frank Vogel likes Johnson’s defense and gave him a chance to start three games.

Darren Collison is also here, but the Lakers will probably let him go.

Lakers decide to trade new guard to the Knicks for a reason

The Lakers were in a rather unfortunate situation a week ago. They had lost five of six games in Vogel’s absence. Things got a little better now and the Lakers regained control. The team entered the regular season as favorite to win the championship, but fans couldn’t even imagine that players will sustain serious injuries. Most of the guys suffered terrible injuries and missed significant time. Let’s not forget that COVID-19 is still here. The virus forced many players to enter the NBA’s health and safety protocols. Even Vogel tested positive and developed serious symptoms.

Anthony Davis will return at some point, giving the Lakers the much needed boost. LeBron has monster performance each night, and his teammates are trying really hard. This is a really challenging season for the purple and gold.

These trades will give the Lakers a second chance. The front office has the freedom to add new names and change the roster. Changing the gameplan is also an option. Vogel will be super busy in the next few weeks. He has already considered changing LeBron and Davis’ role with the team.