NBA Trade Verdict

Celtics Win

Boston acquired Gary Payton (Sr.); Rick Fox; 2006 first-round pick (#21 Rajon Rondo); $2 million cash from Lakers in exchange for Chris Mihm; Chucky Atkins; Marcus Banks (changed to Jumaine Jones on 2004-08-13); 2005 second-round pick.

August 6, 2004 Boston Celtics / Los Angeles Lakers Record confidence: Private Record

Boston Celtics Received

Los Angeles Lakers Received

Trade Analysis

Boston Celtics Perspective

The Lakers deal brought Gary Payton, cash and the protected first-round asset that ultimately became Rajon Rondo. That downstream pick makes Boston's return significantly stronger.

Los Angeles Lakers Perspective

Chris Mihm and Chucky Atkins played meaningful minutes during a transitional Lakers period, and Jumaine Jones supplied additional depth after the amendment. Gary Payton’s Boston stay was brief, and Rick Fox retired, so the veteran exchange itself was not decisive. The protected first-round pick changed the evaluation. Boston used it in the draft-night sequence that produced Rajon Rondo, a future All-Star and championship point guard. That downstream conversion outweighed the Lakers’ short-term roster value, making this a clear the other team win.