NBA Trade Verdict
Lakers Win
Indiana gave up Adrian Dantley and Dave Robisch for James Edwards, Earl Tatum and cash, surrendering the best long-term player in the transaction.
December 13, 1977 Indiana Pacers / Los Angeles Lakers Record confidence: High
Indiana Pacers Received
- Player James Edwards
- Player Earl Tatum
- Cash cash
Los Angeles Lakers Received
- Player Adrian Dantley
- Player Dave Robisch
Trade Analysis
Adrian Dantley was still early in a career that would eventually reach the Hall of Fame, while Indiana's return centered on James Edwards, Earl Tatum and cash. Edwards became a durable NBA center and gives the Pacers' side legitimate value, but Dantley developed into one of the league's elite scorers and twice led the NBA in scoring. Indiana had roster and timing reasons to keep reshaping a financially stressed team, yet hindsight still shows a meaningful talent gap. the other team return was stronger enough to justify a the other team Win rather than treating Edwards' longevity as an equalizer.