Los Angeles Paid for Washington to Step Aside on Mitch Kupchak
The Lakers secured Washington’s agreement not to exercise its right of first refusal on Mitch Kupchak, sending the Bullets Jim Chones, Brad Holland, a 1982 second-round pick and a 1983 first-round pick. Kupchak then played 173 regular-season games for Los Angeles across four seasons. Injuries limited his availability, but he still became part of the 1982 and 1985 championship rosters and gave the Lakers a useful frontcourt piece during the Showtime build.
Washington Received Immediate Players and Two Draft Assets
Chones played 59 regular-season games for the Bullets, while Holland appeared in 13. The 1982 second-rounder became Mike Gibson, who added 32 Washington games. The bigger branch was the 1983 first-round pick at No. 22. Washington drafted Randy Wittman and then moved his rights to Atlanta for Tom McMillen plus another second-round pick.
Tom McMillen Made the Future Pick Matter
McMillen played 187 regular-season games for Washington, giving the Bullets a durable downstream return from the first-round asset. That branch, combined with Chones, Holland and Gibson, makes Washington’s side much more substantial than a simple compensation package. Los Angeles still received the best championship-context fit in Kupchak, so the realized value lands close rather than producing a clear winner.
Kupchak's Knee Injury Changes How His Lakers Tenure Should Be Scored
Kupchak started all 26 Lakers games he played in 1981-82, averaging 14.3 points and 8.1 rebounds, before a serious knee injury ended his early run with the club. He missed the following season and gradually returned, playing 34, 58 and 55 games in the next three seasons. Those are real Lakers contributions, but far fewer than an injury-free signing might have provided. Washington's compensation was substantial for a veteran free-agent rights decision: Jim Chones, Brad Holland, a second and a first. The Bullets also converted the pick connected with Randy Wittman into Tom McMillen, who provided 187 games. The club's early basketball return wasn't defined by its first-round selection alone. Equal A- grades reflect distinct realized contributions and the importance of tracing Washington's later asset chain.
Final Verdict
Even Trade — Los Angeles A-, Washington A-. Kupchak gave the Lakers 173 games and contributed to two championship rosters despite major injury problems. Washington answered with several direct contributors and converted the 1983 first into Tom McMillen, who stayed for 187 games. Los Angeles got the better single player for its team context; Washington received the deeper package and preserved value through the draft branch.