LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers valued roster flexibility in the moment over potential playoff contributions in the future when it came to trading Rajon Rondo, L.A. coach Frank Vogel explained Monday.
L.A. sent out Rondo, a couple of players stashed overseas and $1.1 million, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, as part of a three-team deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers and New York Knicks on Monday. The trade landed Rondo with the Cavs; Denzel Valentine, L.A.'s draft rights to Wang Zhelin (57th pick in 2016) and Brad Newley (54th pick in 2007), and cash to the Knicks; and brought New York's draft rights to Louis Labeyrie (57th pick in 2014) back to the Lakers.