Lakers’ Most And Least Common Trade Partners Among NBA Teams

Trades and negotiations between teams are fundamental elements in shaping and reshaping competitive dynamics in the NBA. Over the years, the Los Angeles Lakers have been central figures in numerous significant exchanges with various franchises across the league. These deals have not only shaped the Lakers’ roster but also had a profound impact on counterpart teams, altering the course of their seasons and the futures of their players. 

In this article, we delve into the most notable trades involving the Los Angeles Lakers and other NBA franchises, from deals that bolstered the Lakers’ dynasty to agreements that marked the onset of new eras in the league.

1. Cleveland Cavaliers

– 10 trades in 54 years

Most Famous Trade (2018)

Lakers Receive: Isaiah Thomas, Channing Frye

Cavs Receive: Jordan Clarkson, Larry Nance

2. Phoenix Suns

– 10 trades in 56 years

Most Famous Trade (2012)

Lakers Receive: Steve Nash

Suns Receive: 2013 and 2018 First-Round Picks, 2013 and 2014 Second-Round Picks

3. Washington Wizards

– 10 trades in 63 years

Most Famous Trade (2021)

Lakers Receive: Russell Westbrook, 2023, 2024 and 2028 Second-Round Pick

Wizards Receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and Kyle Kuzma

4. Atlanta Hawks

– 9 trades in 74 years

Most Famous Trade (1958)

Lakers Receive: Frank Selvy

Wizards Receive: Dick Boushka and Terry Rand

5. New York Knicks

– 8 trades in 74 years

Most Famous Trade (2000)

Lakers Receive: Emanual Davis, Greg Foster, Horace Grant, and Chuck Person

Knicks Receive: Travis Knight, Glen Rice, and a 2001 1st-round draft pick

6. Utah Jazz

– 8 trades in 45 years

Most Famous Trade (2023)

Lakers Receive: Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt

Jazz Receive: Damian Jones, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Russell Westbrook, 2027 1st round draft pick

7. Chicago Bulls

– 7 trades in 58 years

Most Famous Trade (2016)

Lakers Receive: José Calderón, 2018 2nd round draft pick, 2019 2nd round draft pick

Bulls Receive: Ater Majok

8. Detroit Pistons

– 7 trades in 76 years

Most Famous Trade (2019)

Lakers Receive: Sviatoslav Mykhailiuk, 2021 2nd-round draft pick

Bulls Receive: Reggie Bullock

9. Los Angeles Clippers

– 7 trades in 52 years

Most Famous Trade (2019)

Lakers Receive: Mike Muscala

Clippers Receive: Ivica Zubac, Michael Beasley

10. Brooklyn Nets

– 6 trades in 56 years

Most Famous Trade (2017)

Lakers Receive: Kyle Kuzma, Brook Lopez

Nets Receive: Timofey Mozgov, D’Angelo Russell

11. Denver Nuggets

– 6 trades in 57 years

Most Famous Trade (1998)

Lakers Receive: Tony Battie, Tyronn Lue

Nuggets Receive: Nick Van Exel

12. Milwaukee Bucks

– 6 trades in 55 years

Most Famous Trade (1975)

Lakers Receive: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Walt Wesley

Bucks Receive: Junior Bridgeman, Dave Meyers, Elmore Smith, Brian Winters

13. Houston Rockets

– 5 trades in 54 years

Most Famous Trade (2017)

Lakers Receive: Corey Brewer, 2017 1st-round draft pick

Rockets Receive: Lou Williams

14. Indiana Pacers

– 5 trades in 55 years

Most Famous Trade (2015)

Lakers Receive: Roy Hibbert

Pacers Receive: 2019 2nd round draft pick

15. Charlotte Hornets

– 5 trades in 55 years

Most Famous Trade (1996)

Lakers Receive: Kobe Bryant

Hornets Receive: Vlade Divac

16. Orlando Magic

– 5 trades in 33 years

Most Famous Trade (2012)

Lakers Receive: Dwight Howard, Earl Clark, Chris Duhon

Magic Receive: Christian Eyenga, Josh McRoberts, 2017 2nd round draft pick

17. San Antonio Spurs

– 5 trades in 56 years

Most Famous Trade (1987)

Lakers Receive: Frank Brickowski, Pétur Guðmundsson, 1987 1st round draft pick (Greg Anderson), 1990 2nd round draft pick

Spurs Receive: Mychal Thompson

18. Dallas Mavericks

– 4 trades in 42 years

Most Famous Trade (2011)

Lakers Receive: 2014 1st round draft pick

Mavericks Receive: Lamar Odom, 2012 2nd round draft pick

19. Memphis Grizzlies

– 4 trades in 27 years

Most Famous Trade (2008)

Lakers Receive: Pau Gasol, 2010 2nd round draft pick

Grizzlies Receive: Kwame Brown, Javaris Crittenton, Marc Gasol, Aaron McKie, 2008 1st round draft pick (Donté Greene), 2010 1st round draft pick (Greivis Vásquez)

20. Oklahoma City Thunder

– 4 trades in 13 years

Most Famous Trade (2020)

Lakers Receive: Dennis Schroder

Thunder Receive: Danny Green, Jaden McDaniels

21. Philadelphia 76ers

– 4 trades in 75 years

Most Famous Trade (1968)

Lakers Receive: Wilt Chamberlain

76ers Receive: Jerry Chambers, Archie Clark, Darrall Imhoff

22. Sacramento Kings

– 4 trades in 73 years

Most Famous Trade (1977)

Lakers Receive: Ollie Johnson, 1978 1st round draft pick, 1978 2nd round draft pick

Kings Receive: Lucius Allen

23. Boston Celtics

– 3 trades in 76 years

Most Famous Trade (2004)

Lakers Receive: Chucky Atkins, Jumaine Jones, Chris Mihm

Celtics Receive: Rick Fox, Gary Payton, 2006 1st round draft pick (Rajon Rondo)

24. Golden State Warriors

– 3 trades in 77 years

Most Famous Trade (2014)

Lakers Receive: Kent Bazemore, MarShon Brooks

Warriors Receive: Steve Blake

25. Miami Heat

– 3 trades in 35 years

Most Famous Trade (2004)

Lakers Receive: Caron Butler, Brian Grant, Lamar Odom, 2006 1st round draft pick (Jordan Farmar), 2007 2nd round draft pick (Renaldas Seibutis)

Heat Receive: Shaquille O’Neal

26. Portland Trail Blazers

– 2 trades in 52 years

Most Famous Trade (1980)

Lakers Receive: Jim Brewer

Trail Blazers Receive: 1984 2nd round draft pick

27. Minnesota Timberwolves

– 1 trade in 35 years

Most Famous Trade (2023)

Lakers Receive: D’Angelo Russell

Timberwolves Receive: 2024 2nd round draft pick

28. New Orleans Pelicans

– 1 trade in 20 years

Most Famous Trade (2019)

Lakers Receive: Anthony Davis

Pelicans Receive: Lonzo Ball, Josh Hart, De’Andre Hunter, Brandon Ingram, cash, 2022 1st round draft pick (Dyson Daniels), 2023 1st round draft pick, 2024 1st round draft pick

29. Toronto Raptors

– 1 trade in 27 years

Most Famous Trade (2002)

Lakers Receive: Lindsey Hunter, Chris Jefferies, 2003 2nd round draft pick (Luke Walton)

Raptors Receive: Tracy Murray, Kareem Rush, 2003 2nd round draft pick

Credit: Basketball-Reference, HoopsHype