Magic Johnson reveals truth that will likely anger Lakers fans

The Los Angeles Lakers have been associated with many of the best names in the league throughout history. Because of their location, aggressive approach and rich history, the Lakers will always be among the top players.

Whether it’s via trade or free agency, the Lakers always have a chance to bolster their roster and land a superstar. They don’t always land every player, but when they do, it’s league-changing; we’ve seen it time and time again, but lately it hasn’t happened. The last time that happened was in 2019 when the Lakers traded for Anthony Davis. Since then, LA has made trades, but most of them have been boneheaded moves.

However, they had a chance to make trades to improve the team. In a recent appearance on FS1’s “Speak,” Lakers superstar, legend and NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson said Los Angeles had “completed” the trade for DeMar DeRozan and Buddy Hield.

“They got the deal done — Kuzma for DeMar,” Johnson said.

“And then we had to get Buddy Hield,” Johnson continued. “That was all we had to do.”

For one reason or another, the Lakers failed to get any of these players, who could have been a better fit with Davis and LeBron James at the time. Instead, the Lakers made a move for Russell Westbrook in the summer of 2021, which involved Kyle Kuzma plus Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and a first-round pick to Washington.

It is now one of, if not the worst, trade the Lakers have made in their franchise history.

Johnson was the Lakers’ president of basketball operations from 2017-19. During that time, Johnson had opportunities to upgrade the Lakers’ roster that never materialized. He had a lot on his plate and abruptly resigned from his position in April 2019 after a 37-45 season, the first season James was a Laker.

The Lakers have had numerous opportunities, even after Johnson, to do big things for their roster, but they weren’t aggressive in their approach.

It’s clear as day that the Lakers need to make a move tonight before the trade deadline. Although they are expected to do so, the front office has disappointed more times than not.

It’s been nearly two full years since the Lakers made a significant move, and the expectation is that they’ll do just that to bolster their roster and expand the window, ever so slightly, for James and Davis.

More Lakers: Lakers rival reportedly eyeing similar trade targets ahead of deadline