LeBron James and LA’s biggest acquisitions of the 21st century
By Jason Reed
NHL:
Both of the acquisitions on the list were key components to the Ducks and Kings’ Stanley Cup runs. While there may have been bigger names or more talented players acquired, nothing is bigger than winning the Stanley Cup.
Anaheim Ducks: Scott Niedermayer (2005)
Scott Niedermayer signed with the Anaheim Ducks in 2005 on a four-year contract in hopes of winning a Stanley Cup with his brother, Rob, who also signed a four-year deal with the Ducks. Luckily for the defenseman and his brother, those hopes paid off.
Niedermayer was instantly named the Captain and played a huge role in the defense that led the Ducks to four straight playoff appearances including the team’s only Stanley Cup in 2007. Niedermayer was named the MVP of the 2007 Stanley Cup and is now named the Ducks’ biggest acquisition of the century.
Los Angeles Kings: Jeff Carter (2012)
Jeff Carter was not named the Stanley Cup MVP in either of the Kings’ 2012 or 2014 wins. However, Carter did play a huge role in the Kings winning the cup twice and proved to be the best trade the Kings could have made this century.
Los Angeles needed a scoring presence such as Carter and Carter delivered on all fronts. In 2012, Carter scored what would be the eventual game-winning goal in game six of the Stanley Cup against the New Jersey Devils.