The Los Angeles Lakers didn’t make a huge move to bring in a star this trade deadline, but there were still some trades to be made. The first, and most important for the Lakers was moving Lou Williams to the Houston Rockets in exchange for a 2017 first-round pick and veteran forward Corey Brewer.
Though most will focus on the Lakers earning a guaranteed draft pick in this year’s upcoming draft, Brewer also looks to be here to stay.
Brewer traveled with the Lakers to Oklahoma City ahead of Friday’s return to action against the Thunder. Following practice on Thursday Brewer spoke about what he brings to the team via Lakers reporter Mike Trudell:
Corey Brewer on what he brings: “Experience and a lot of energy. Way I play is hard all the time.” Wants to set that example for young guys.
— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) February 23, 2017
Despite already being with the team however, head coach Luke Walton believes it’s unlikely that Brewer plays on Friday according to Mark Medina of the LA Daily News:
Luke Walton said it's unlikely Brewer plays tomorrow as he just got with the team
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) February 23, 2017
Walton probably won’t feel comfortable with Brewer playing until he has a couple of practices with the team. The process of getting acclimated with new teammates and a new offense is not easy and Walton would be smart not to just throw Brewer out there without figuring out a few things first.
In addition to Brewer, the Lakers also acquired point guard Tyler Ennis in exchange for Marcelo Huertas. Ennis is a former first-round pick who has never really gotten much of a chance to prove what he can do in the league and with the Lakers looking to see what it has in its young players, Ennis will surely get more minutes than he has seen to this point in his career.
With only 24 games remaining the Lakers have shifted the focus squarely in a new direction. The team didn’t get a superstar yet, but there is still plenty for all of these guys to play for.
