NBA Trade Verdict
Lakers Win
Los Angeles clearly won by acquiring Robert Horry and Joe Kleine for Cedric Ceballos and Rumeal Robinson, adding a core piece of three championship teams.
January 10, 1997 Los Angeles Lakers / Phoenix Suns Record confidence: High
Los Angeles Lakers Received
- Player Robert Horry
- Player Joe Kleine
Phoenix Suns Received
- Player Cedric Ceballos
- Player Rumeal Robinson
Trade Analysis
Robert Horry never produced conventional star statistics, but his defensive versatility, spacing and repeated postseason shot-making were uniquely valuable to the Lakers’ title runs from 2000 through 2002. Joe Kleine added short-term depth. Cedric Ceballos’s Phoenix return was limited, while Rumeal Robinson did not become a meaningful long-term asset. Horry’s ability to fit alongside multiple stars and deliver in high-leverage playoff moments created far more championship value than the outgoing package. The outcome is a decisive Lakers win.