NBA Trade Verdict
Lakers Win
On May 20, 1970, the Phoenix Suns acquired Mel Counts from the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Gail Goodrich.
May 20, 1970 Los Angeles Lakers / Phoenix Suns Record confidence: High
Los Angeles Lakers Received
- Player Gail Goodrich
Phoenix Suns Received
- Player Mel Counts
Trade Analysis
Phoenix surrendered future Hall of Famer Gail Goodrich for Mel Counts. Goodrich became a four-time All-Star with the Lakers, helped power the 1972 championship team and remained an elite scorer, while Counts supplied only modest Suns production. This stands among the clearest early losses in franchise history.