Exploring every trade that happened between the Lakers and Clippers in NBA history.
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers, both residing in the same landscape and city, share a unique dynamic as fierce rivals in the NBA. Historically, the two teams engaged in several player movements, trades, and transactions, fostering an intriguing relationship that extended beyond the competitive realm.
However, the scenario shifted when the Clippers made the monumental move to share the same home court. This geographical proximity added an extra layer of intensity to their rivalry, as the battle for supremacy in Los Angeles unfolded not only on the court but also in the front offices through strategic player exchanges.
1973-74 NBA Season (September 12th)
Lakers Receive: Elmore Smith
Clippers Receive: Jim McMillian
During the 1973 NBA offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers (then Buffalo Braves) engaged in a player swap on September 12th. In this trade, the Lakers acquired Elmore Smith, a 7-foot center, in exchange for Jim McMillian, a versatile forward.
Elmore Smith, known for his shot-blocking prowess, made an immediate impact on the Lakers’ defensive end during the 1973-74 season. Averaging 13.4 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.9 blocks per game, Smith became a dominant force in the paint, showcasing his reputation as one of the premier rim protectors of that era.
On the Clippers’ side, Jim McMillian brought his scoring abilities to the team, contributing an average of 14 points per game. While not matching Smith’s shot-blocking, McMillian provided offensive versatility with 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game.
As the season unfolded, Elmore Smith’s defensive presence significantly bolstered the Lakers’ frontcourt. Despite Smith’s contributions, the Lakers finished the regular season with a record of 47-35 and were eliminated in the Western Conference Semifinals by the Milwaukee Bucks.
For the Clippers (then Buffalo Braves), Jim McMillian added a scoring touch but couldn’t propel them beyond the Eastern Conference Semifinals. The Braves finished the regular season with a record of 42-40 and were eliminated in the playoffs by the Boston Celtics.
This trade between the Lakers and the Clippers (Braves) during the 1973-74 season set a precedent for future transactions between the two Los Angeles-based teams, adding an intriguing chapter to their basketball rivalry.
1977-78 NBA Season (June 10th)
Lakers Receive: 1977 3rd Round Draft Pick (Selected James Edwards)
Clippers Receive: Johnny Neumann
During the 1977-78 NBA season, a significant trade unfolded between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers (then Buffalo Braves) on June 10th. In this transaction, the Lakers secured a 1977 3rd Round Draft Pick, subsequently using it to select James Edwards. Edwards made an impressive rookie debut, averaging 15.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.0 assists. However, noteworthy is the fact that he was traded from the Lakers to the Pacers after 25 games in his rookie season.
Conversely, the Braves received Johnny Neumann in this trade, but his tenure with the team was short-lived. Neumann was traded to the Pacers just four games into the season, where he contributed an average of 4.2 points per game until being cut later in December, eventually becoming a free agent.
In retrospect, the Lakers’ acquisition of James Edwards showcased immediate dividends with his impressive rookie stats, although his tenure with the team was cut short. On the other hand, Johnny Neumann’s brief stint with the Braves and subsequent journey through the Pacers marked a distinct chapter in the historical player movements between the Lakers and the Clippers during the 1977-78 season.
1977-78 NBA Season (September 7th)
Lakers Receive: Ernie DiGregorio
Clippers Receive: future considerations
On September 7, 1977, the Los Angeles Lakers executed a trade with the Buffalo Braves, acquiring Ernie DiGregorio in exchange for future considerations. DiGregorio, a skilled point guard, had previously played for the Braves.
Following his trade to the Los Angeles Lakers, Ernie DiGregorio played for the team during the 1977-78 NBA season. However, after 25 games, he was declared a free agent as a result of being cut from the Lakers’ roster. Subsequently, the Boston Celtics signed him during the mid-season market, where he contributed until the conclusion of the 1977-78 season.
During the season, the Boston Celtics, with Ernie DiGregorio on their roster, experienced a successful campaign. The team, coached by Tom Heinsohn, finished the regular season with an impressive record of 32-50, earning a playoff berth.
In the postseason, the Celtics advanced to the Eastern Conference Semifinals but were ultimately defeated by the Philadelphia 76ers in a competitive series. The 76ers went on to become the Eastern Conference champions that season.
In a subsequent move during the 1980 season, Ernie DiGregorio returned to the franchise that originally drafted him, joining the San Diego Clippers as a free agent.
1978-79 NBA Season (June 7th)
Lakers Receive: 2nd Round Draft Pick (Selected Lew Massey)
Clippers Receive: Tom Abernethy
During the 1978-79 NBA season, a trade transpired between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers on June 7th. In this exchange, the Lakers acquired a 2nd Round Draft Pick, ultimately selecting Lew Massey. In return, the Clippers received Tom Abernethy.
During the offseason, Tom Abernethy, before even playing one single NBA game with the Buffalo Braves, entered free agency on July 1st as the team placed him on waivers, almost a month after trading for him.
This sequence of events illustrates Tom Abernethy’s transition during the 1978 offseason. After becoming a free agent, Abernethy inked a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors on July 15.
Meanwhile, Lew Massey, selected by the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round (38th overall) of the 1978 NBA draft, had a brief stint with the team. Unfortunately, Massey was cut just a month away from the 1978-79 NBA regular season opener.
1983-84 NBA Season (October 10th)
Credit: Fadeaway World
Lakers Receive: Byron Scott, Swen Nater
Clippers Receive: Eddie Jordan, Norm Nixon, 1986 2nd Round Draft Pick, 1987 2nd Round Draft Pick
In a noteworthy transaction on October 10, 1983, the Los Angeles Lakers executed a trade with the Los Angeles Clippers, acquiring Byron Scott and Swen Nater. In exchange, the Clippers received Eddie Jordan, Norm Nixon, and future draft picks – a 1986 2nd Round Draft Pick and a 1987 2nd Round Draft Pick.
Byron Scott, during the 1983-84 season with the Lakers, contributed with an average of 10.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game. Swen Nater, another acquisition from the Clippers, added depth to the Lakers’ frontcourt, averaging 4.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.
On the Clippers’ side, Eddie Jordan provided scoring and playmaking, averaging 12.8 points, 4.3 assists, and 2.5 rebounds per game. Norm Nixon, in his tenure with the Clippers during the 1983-84 season, showcased impressive stats with 18.9 points, 8.8 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game.
The trade had significant implications for both teams. The Lakers, strengthened by the additions of Scott and Nater, concluded the regular season with a 54-28 record and reached the NBA Finals, although they were defeated by the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series. On the other hand, the Clippers, despite the contributions of Jordan and Nixon, finished the regular season with a 30-52 record and did not qualify for the playoffs.
This trade between the Lakers and the Clippers in the 1983-84 season exemplified a strategic move by both teams to enhance their rosters. While the Lakers enjoyed postseason success, the Clippers faced challenges and fell short of a playoff berth.
2018-19 NBA Season (February 7th)
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers Receive: Mike Muscala
Clippers Receive: Ivica Zubac, Michael Beasley
During the 2018-19 NBA season, a pivotal trade took place on February 7th between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers. This transaction was not only a reflection of mid-season roster adjustments but also a strategic move by the Lakers to complement LeBron James, who had signed with the team in the offseason. Seeking to bolster their frontcourt with a floor-spacing big man, the Lakers acquired Mike Muscala.
Mike Muscala, with his ability to shoot from beyond the arc, brought a valuable dimension to the Lakers’ offensive strategy. During the 2018-19 season, Muscala’s contributions with the Lakers included averaging 5.9 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game.
In return, the Lakers sent Ivica Zubac and Michael Beasley to the Clippers. Ivica Zubac, a promising young center, had showcased his potential with the Lakers before being included in this trade. Throughout the 2018-19 season, Zubac averaged 8.5 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game. His departure highlighted the balancing act teams often face between immediate success and nurturing young talent.
The Lakers, looking to surround LeBron James with a supporting cast that complemented his playing style, targeted Mike Muscala to add a floor-spacing element to their frontcourt. Muscala’s ability to shoot from beyond the arc was a key factor in this decision.
2022-23 NBA Season (February 9th)
Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Lakers Receive: Davon Reed, Mo Bamba, 2024 2nd round draft pick (Clippers), 2025 2nd round draft pick (Clippers)
Clippers Receive: Bones Hyland
Nuggets Receive: Thomas Bryant
Magic Receive: Patrick Beverley, 2024 2nd round draft pick (Nuggets), cash consideration
During the 2022-23 NBA season on February 9th, a multi-team trade unfolded, showcasing intricate player movements and strategic roster adjustments among the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Denver Nuggets, and Orlando Magic.
The Lakers bolstered their roster by acquiring Davon Reed and Mo Bamba in a multi-faceted deal. However, Mo Bamba, despite joining the Lakers, was subsequently waived, signaling a shift in the team’s plans. Additionally, the Lakers secured future assets with a 2024 2nd-round draft pick and a 2025 2nd-round draft pick from the Clippers.
In this trade scenario, the Clippers acquired Bones Hyland. Yet, it’s noteworthy that Hyland transitioned out of the Clippers’ regular rotation, indicating adjustments in the team’s lineup strategy since they also acquired James Harden earlier this season
