The David Thompson Lakers trade is one of the most intriguing “what could have been” stories in NBA history. While it never actually happened, the idea of David Thompson joining the Los Angeles Lakers has captivated basketball fans for decades. This post will explore the history of the David Thompson trade to the Lakers, the rumors surrounding it, and the impact it could have had on the NBA and the Lakers if it had gone through. We’ll also take a look at how another trade—Lakers Norm Nixon trade—played a part in this whole situation.
Thompson was a dynamic and explosive player in the 1970s, known for his leaping ability and scoring prowess. But despite his incredible talent, he never became a Laker. What if things had played out differently? Let’s dive into the history and rumors surrounding the David Thompson Lakers trade and understand what could have been for the Lakers, their fans, and the NBA.
The History of the David Thompson Lakers Trade
David Thompson Lakers trade was one of the most exciting players of the 1970s. Known for his high-flying dunks and incredible scoring ability, Thompson became a star during his time with the Denver Nuggets in the American Basketball Association (ABA). His playmaking and athleticism made him a standout in both the ABA and NBA, but it was his time with the Nuggets that earned him his reputation.
Thompson was drafted by the Nuggets in 1975, and he quickly became their best player. During his years in Denver, Thompson was known for his electric performances, even winning the ABA All-Star Game MVP in 1977. His scoring and explosiveness earned him comparisons to players like Julius Erving and Michael Jordan. But despite all his talent, the Nuggets couldn’t quite get over the hump in the playoffs.
The Lakers Norm Nixon Trade and Its Connection to Thompson
In 1983, the Los Angeles Lakers made a bold move by trading away point guard Norm Nixon. Nixon had been a key piece for the Lakers, helping them win two NBA championships in the early 1980s. However, the Lakers saw an opportunity to improve their roster and made the decision to move Nixon.
The Lakers trade Norm Nixon was important not just for the Lakers but for the potential of the David Thompson Lakers trade as well. Some rumors suggested that Thompson was a possible trade target for the Lakers around this time. If the Lakers had made the David Thompson Lakers trade, it could have been to fill the void left by Nixon’s departure, bringing in a dynamic scorer like Thompson to join forces with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
But as we all know, the Lakers trade Norm Nixon ended up going in a different direction. Nixon was traded to the San Diego Clippers, and Thompson never became a Laker. However, the combination of rumors, the trade of Nixon, and the Lakers’ need for scoring could have led to a much different outcome.
The Rumors Surrounding the David Thompson Trade to Lakers
While there were no confirmed talks about the David Thompson trade to the Lakers, there were certainly rumors in the NBA world about a potential move. The idea of pairing Thompson with Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was incredibly appealing. At that time, the Lakers were looking to build a more powerful and dynamic team, especially after losing to the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1983 NBA Finals.
Could the Lakers Have Traded for Thompson?
It’s not hard to imagine that the Lakers were interested in adding another star player like Thompson to their roster. In the early 1980s, they were already one of the most successful teams in the league, and adding Thompson would have made them even more dangerous.
While it’s unclear if any formal negotiations took place between the Lakers and the Nuggets, some reports have suggested that the Lakers were keeping tabs on Thompson’s situation in Denver. The Nuggets were reportedly willing to trade Thompson at certain points, but the Lakers never pulled the trigger.
There are many “what ifs” when it comes to the David Thompson Lakers trade rumors. What if Thompson had joined the Lakers during their championship run? How would he have fit alongside Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and James Worthy? Would the Lakers have dominated the 1980s even more?
What Could Have Happened if the David Thompson Trade Lakers Went Through?
If the David Thompson Lakers trade had happened, it could have been a game-changer for the team and the NBA. Here’s what could have happened if the Lakers added Thompson to their roster during the 1980s:
A New Dimension to the Showtime Lakers
The Lakers’ “Showtime” era in the 1980s was built around fast breaks, high-scoring games, and spectacular plays. Thompson’s high-flying ability and scoring could have fit perfectly with this style of play. Paired with Magic Johnson’s passing and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance in the post, Thompson would have made the Lakers an even more dangerous team.
David Thompson Lakers trade speed and athleticism would have made him an excellent weapon in transition, and he could have been a great finisher on fast breaks. Imagine Thompson soaring for dunks after Magic’s no-look passes—this would have been a terrifying combination for any opponent.
Strengthening the Lakers’ Championship Chase
The Lakers were already a championship-caliber team in the early 1980s, but adding Thompson could have made them even more dominant. The 1983 Finals loss to the 76ers still stung, and the David Thompson Lakers trade could have been the missing piece the Lakers needed to overcome teams like the 76ers and Celtics in the coming years.
With Thompson’s ability to score at will and his skillset as a wing player, he would have given the Lakers a valuable scoring option on the perimeter, taking some of the pressure off of Magic and Kareem. This would have made the Lakers even more versatile and harder to stop.
A Potential Rivalry with the Celtics
The Celtics and Lakers were fierce rivals during the 1980s, and adding Thompson could have tipped the scales in the Lakers’ favor. Thompson’s scoring and athleticism could have been the perfect counter to the Celtics’ big men like Larry Bird and Kevin McHale. With Thompson in the lineup, the Lakers might have been even more successful in their head-to-head matchups with the Celtics, potentially leading to even more Finals victories.
Why the David Thompson Lakers Trade Never Happened
The biggest question surrounding the David Thompson Lakers trade is: Why didn’t it happen? The NBA is full of rumors and potential deals that never come to fruition, and this was one of them. While there’s no definitive answer, several factors could explain why the trade never materialized.
First, the Lakers may have simply been happy with their roster. They had Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who were already two of the greatest players of all time. Adding Thompson could have been a luxury they didn’t feel they needed at the time.
Second, the Lakers may have had other trade priorities. As mentioned earlier, they made the Lakers Norm Nixon trade in 1983, and that trade may have been their primary focus. Moving Nixon for a key role player like Byron Scott may have been a more pressing need than pursuing Thompson.
Lastly, the Nuggets might have been unwilling to part with Thompson for the right price. Despite his talent, Thompson had injury problems that may have scared teams off. His career never reached the level many expected, which could have led the Nuggets to hold onto him rather than trade him.
The Legacy of the David Thompson Lakers Trade Rumors
The David Thompson Lakers trade may never have happened, but the rumors and “what ifs” continue to capture the imagination of basketball fans. Thompson was one of the most exciting players of his time, and the idea of him playing alongside Magic and Kareem is still fascinating.
Even though the trade never went through, it’s a reminder of how dynamic and unpredictable the NBA can be. Sometimes, trades that seem like a sure thing never come to pass, and it’s up to fans and historians to imagine how different the game could have been.
