Longtime NBA center Dwight Howard chimed in Thursday after the Los Angeles Lakers completed a big trade with the Charlotte Hornets for center Mark

But one factor in the deal that has arguably gone under-discussed is the Lakers — after sending out three players while taking back three in the Doncic deal — sent out one more player than the Hornets in this move, freeing up both their 15th roster spot and extra money under the second apron, as explained by ESPN salary cap expert Bobby Marks:

So who won either side of this deal? Let’s dive in and hand out some grades to the Lakers and Hornets: The Hornets get: Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, a 2030 pick swap and an 2031 first-round pick (unprotected) Luka Doncic wanted a lob threat. He got a lob threat.