Lakers rumors: 3 reasons L.A. won at the 2017 trade deadline

Added even more youth to the roster

Normally, teams like to depend on a group of reliable veterans if they’ve got young players trying to grow. Unfortunately, the Lakers tried — and failed — after signing both Timofey Mozgov and Luol Deng to massive, unnecessary contracts.

After dealing Lou Williams for Corey Brewer first, the Lakers then made their second deal with Houston to acquire Tyler Ennis.

This sent older veteran Marcelo Huertas packing, as the Rockets chose to waive him after getting him.

It was a needed move because of the fact that Huertas really wasn’t doing anything. For the Lakers to be productive under the watch of Magic Johnson, they’re going to need everyone to have a role.

Even the older guys, if that still is the case next season.

Going bold with the youth means that Johnson is also willing to invest in his players outside of their name on the roster sheet. He wants to see their talents reach their full potential so that his beloved franchise can get back to winning.

Ennis isn’t a starter by any means, but it gives the Lakers a chance to have younger bench depth for their guards.