Lakers Fans Furious as Real Madrid Snatches Perfect NBA Star in Shocking Move

Ugh, Los Angeles Lakers fans, here we go again. Another solid piece slipping right through the Lakers' fingers. Trey Lyles, a reliable 10-year NBA veteran who can shoot the three and hold his own inside, is officially signing with EuroLeague powerhouse Real Madrid.

Ugh, Los Angeles Lakers fans, here we go again. Another solid piece slipping right through the Lakers’ fingers. Trey Lyles, a reliable 10-year NBA veteran who can shoot the three and hold his own inside, is officially signing with EuroLeague powerhouse Real Madrid.

This was confirmed by Donatas Urbonas of Basket News. The move brings with it a sting feeling, watch another potential fit walk away.

This was confirmed by Donatas Urbonas of Basket News. The move brings with it a sting feeling, watch another potential fit walk away.

Trey Lyles checked all the boxes the Lakers needed

Lyles is exactly the kind of player the Lakers desperately need. He is a dependable stretch-four who spaces the floor while still bringing toughness on the boards, a combo that has been noticeably absent in Los Angeles’ current lineup.

While the Lakers have added Deandre Ayton, who brings some upside to the table, and re-signed Jaxson Hayes, neither players offer consistent shooting from deep. 

Lyles, on the other hand, has averaged a three-point percentage north of 38 percent throughout his entire career, proving he can stretch defenses and keep opposing bigs honest. Pairing Lyles with the likes of LeBron James and Luka Doncic would have been a no-brainer.

Those two guys are the best of the best, and they excel at creating clean looks and pulling defenders away from the basket, which means Trey would not have to overextend himself. He would just need to play simple ball: catch, shoot, defend his position, and battle inside. It is a role tailor-made for him and something the Lakers could have really leaned on.

Last season, Lyles’ stats took a hit due to the Sacramento Kings’ off-the-rails year. Losing De’Aaron Fox mid-season disrupted the offense and shrunk Lyles’ role significantly. In a more stable environment like Los Angeles, with top-tier playmakers on the floor, he might have thrived again. 

Unfortunately, salary cap issues prevented the Lakers from making a move on him. They are stuck in a holding pattern until January 18 before they can sign any free agents, unless they clear space via trades.

So here we are, Lyles is heading to Europe’s biggest stage, joining a Madrid team loaded with former NBA talent and fresh stars. It is a prestigious landing spot, but for Lakers fans, it is hard not to feel like it was another missed opportunity.

The wait continues. Lakers fans can only hope that when the roster finally opens up, the next opportunity does not slip away just like this one did.