Why Kings do this: The Kings just traded Fox at the deadline meaning they are going in a new direction. They got LaVine at the deadline and they picked up DeRozan in free agency. Sabonis is being shopped meaning they should trade some depth pieces to help balance the roster. Valanciunas has struggled and hasn't showed his full potential since arriving in Sacramento. They get Hachimura who is a good stationary shooter, they get Vanderbilt who is a defensive star, and a athletic finisher, and they get a rookie in Knecht who is a good off screen shooter and it helps them prepare for there future. This gives Sacramento much needed depth that the Kings struggled with before. They get good wings plus Monk is on a pretty big contract clearing a big chunk of cap room leaving them with over 20 million (fanspo). They recently drafted Devin Carter and they still have Keon Ellis who has been great for the Kings the last couple of years.

Why Lakers do this: The Lakers are currently sitting at 4th in the west and there need for center is evident. Hayes has been solid but they have no depth as Finney-Smith is listed as there backup showing there thin depth chart. They get a wonderful bench piece in Malik Monk to be behind Doncic in the depth chart to help take a big load of Doncic for him to stay healthy. Valanciunas is on a steal of a contract making just around 10 million per year for the next 3 years. This deal gives the Lakers a rental and part time starter at center without spending a big amount. This deal does get rid of depth in a sense but its still a solid bench unit including Milton, Kleber, and Vincent who is still a solid player. Last thing is the Lakers get rid of a bad contract in Vanderbilt a chunky contract from Hachimura and they don't need to worry about paying Knecht.

LAKERS STARTERS:

Doncic, Reaves, James, DFS, Valanciunas

KINGS STARTERS:

Ellis, LaVine, DeRozan, Murray, Sabonis

THOUGHTS??? 👀