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NBA Trade Deadline 2020: The 30-team mega-deal that solves nothing and makes everyone mad

By Ian Levy

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 13: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Collin Sexton #2 high five during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 13, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 13: Kevin Love #0 of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Collin Sexton #2 high five during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on January 13, 2020 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE (Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Minneapolis, MN January 27: Minnesota Timberwolves’ Robert Covington celebrated after making a shot in the second quarter. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via Getty Images)
Minneapolis, MN January 27: Minnesota Timberwolves’ Robert Covington celebrated after making a shot in the second quarter. (Photo by Carlos Gonzalez/Star Tribune via Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Lakers

Sending out: Kyle Kuzma (NYK), Jared Dudley (NOP), Avery Bradley (LAC), Quinn Cook (CHI), 2026 first-round pick (ORL)

Bringing in: Robert Covington (MIN)

On the court, things have gone about as well as the Lakers could have hoped for this season. They have the best record in the Western Conference, LeBron and Anthony Davis have established a fantastic chemistry and the supporting cast has done what they’ve needed to do. Given all that, the Lakers may be unwilling to shake things up at the trade deadline, a pattern that had previously been well-established for LeBron-led teams during his Finals run.

This deal admittedly strips the Lakers of some depth — Kuzma and Bradley are fifth and ninth, respectively in minutes played for the team this year. But in Covington, they get the player that they really need Kuzma to be. He’s inconsistent as a shooter and defender but Covington has consistently been one of the best defenders in the league, capable of handling both 3s and 4s. His 3-point percentage is down a bit this year but he’s still hitting 36 percent of his open and wide-open 3s, something he’ll see plenty of next to LeBron and Davis.

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