Magic Johnson has recently revealed intriguing missed opportunities during his tenure as the president of basketball operations for the Los Angeles Lakers, particularly concerning trades for DeMar DeRozan and Buddy Hield. Johnson's time with the Lakers, which spanned from 2017 to 2019, is often critiqued by fans and analysts alike, who often view it through the lens of disappointment and controversy.
Despite the significant achievement of attracting LeBron James to Los Angeles as a free agent, Johnson's decisions—including his controversial pick of Lonzo Ball as the No. 2 selection over standout players like Jayson Tatum—raised doubts about his leadership. According to reports on Fox Sports 1’s "Speak," Johnson disclosed details about two players he wished to acquire: DeRozan and Hield. While he did not specify the exact timeline, these potential deals were reportedly considered during the summer of 2021.
"Bringing DeRozan aboard would have bolstered the Lakers with a formidable third scoring option on the wing," Johnson remarked during the interview, making it clear how highly he regarded DeRozan's skill set, which would have included not only scoring but also playmaking responsibilities. Similarly, he noted the value Hield could have added as an elite sharpshooter, stating the importance of such players for the Lakers' potential overall performance and perimeter tactics.
Instead of pursuing these promising acquisitions, the Lakers opted for what many considered a high-profile but contentious trade. They sent Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and a first-round pick to the Washington Wizards to bring Russell Westbrook to Los Angeles. This hefty trade was reportedly influenced by LeBron James himself, who had been pushing for Westbrook's arrival.
While Westbrook’s time with the Lakers came with notable moments, it was fraught with challenges from the start. The move resulted in questions about whether the team had paid too high of a price for his services and whether the fit truly worked within the established system. Johnson’s reflections on the Lakers' decision-making during this period highlighted the potentially different fate the team could have experienced had they acquired DeRozan and Hield instead.
Looking back, the summer of 2021 stands as pivotal not just for immediate success but as part of the broader narrative surrounding LeBron James’ era with the Lakers. This moment shaped the franchise’s future and defined the expectations surrounding it. The ambiguity of what could have been looms large as fans and analysts reflect on both the potential strengths of DeRozan and Hield alongside the struggles the team faced with Westbrook.
For the Lakers, each decision reflects the high-stakes gamble of balancing talent and teamwork under intense scrutiny. Magic Johnson's candid acknowledgment of these missed opportunities brings insights not only on his leadership but also on the complex dynamics of building a championship-contending roster. The consequences of these choices continue to resonate, leading Lakers supporters to wonder about what might have been if the cards had fallen differently.
Reflecting on such high-profile misses provides lessons about strategy, the importance of player fit, and maintaining flexibility during roster constructions. Transitioning from the glow of LeBron's signing to the sobering reality of unfulfilled potential, the Lakers' front office continues to navigate through the waters of previous decisions and the demanding expectations of their storied franchise.
