There have been a lot of great players in Los Angeles Lakers history. Some, like Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant, were acquired in the draft. However, a long list of Lakers legends actually came from other means, whether it be free agency or via trade.
Los Angeles has bet on itself plenty of times throughout the years and has won, hence why the team has 17 championship banners hanging from the rafters. That being said, not every gamble in franchise history has worked out.
The Lakers should have never gambled on Russell Westbrook
This goes without saying.