In City of Angels, rich get richer

 

The Los Angeles Dodgers and Lakers, the 2020 World Champions in baseball and basketball, are making big splashes in the trade market.

July 30, mere hours before the trade deadline was closing for the MLB, the Dodgers officially announced their acquisitions of right-handed-pitcher Max Scherzer and SS Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals for prospects Josiah Gray, Keibert Ruiz, Donovan Casey, and Gerardo Carrillo. 

Scherzer, despite his age (37), is still recognized as one of the most reliable pitchers in the league, and was the hottest player on the market this year. Turner has consistently been ranked among the top shortstops in baseball and was a first time All-Star this season. His versatility in the outfield and at second base was surely a selling point for the Dodgers.

The blockbuster trade came at a great time for the Dodgers, who, despite having one of the most talented lineups in baseball, had fallen three games behind the San Francisco Giants before the trade.

As fans hoped, the talents of Scherzer and Turner have helped turn the Dodgers’ injury-fated season around. Since the trade, the Dodgers have been playing exceptionally well, putting them within striking distance of a ninth consecutive division title.

As with the Dodgers, the Lakers also seem to be in a good position. The momentum of their 2020 victory in the NBA Finals didn’t quite transfer to 2021, with injuries defining their season. This offseason, they’ve been making moves to ensure that doesn’t happen again. 

The Lakers shocked fans in August when they acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and the #22 pick in the draft.

While questions have been raised about how Westbrook, Lebron James, and Anthony Davis will work together, in addition to the old age of the squad, the trade has generally been well-received, with fans excited to see another elite player chase a ring with L.A.

The subsequent signings of Dwight Howard, Wayne Ellington, Trevor Ariza, Kent Bazemore, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn, and Carmelo Anthony have put the Lakers in a great position for the 2021-22 season. On paper, they are the clear favorites of the West. Like with last year, their success will rely on their health. If they manage to stay healthy, Los Angeles will certainly have a chance at another NBA Title.