If you follow the NBA, you can’t escape the Los Angeles Lakers. 

That’s always been the case. The Lakers have the league’s most iconic brand. They’re in the league’s biggest market. For generations now, they’ve been in the spotlight. 

In recent years, it hasn’t been for the right reasons. LeBron James shouldn’t regret his decision to join this team – they won an NBA title

Unfortunately, everything that’s come since has been a disappointment. 

Many would suggest that Russell Westbrook is to blame. To be sure, adding a non-shooting ball-handler to a team featuring James was always a questionable decision. 

Here are three deals that have the Lakers moving on from him.

Lakers Land DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic

Chicago Bulls Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan, C Nikola Vucevic 

If spacing is LA’s biggest concern, this deal is interesting. 

On the one hand, it helps. On the other hand, it doesn’t. Vucevic offers great positional spacing, but unfortunately, DeRozan is not an elite three-point shooter. 

He’d still be an upgrade over Westbrook. DeRozan is a better shooter – and even his elite accuracy in the midrange provides a semblance of spacing.