The Los Angeles Lakers surprised everyone when they traded for Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic. However, he isn't the only guard the team acquired. The Laker

But one factor in the deal that has arguably gone under-discussed is the Lakers — after sending out three players while taking back three in the Doncic deal — sent out one more player than the Hornets in this move, freeing up both their 15th roster spot and extra money under the second apron, as explained by ESPN salary cap expert Bobby Marks:

It became clear the Los Angeles Lakers needed more frontcourt help after they gave up Anthony Davis in the trade that landed them Luka Dončić, and they