Before the NBA trade deadline on Thursday, the Los Angeles Lakers made a move that garnered mixed reactions amongst the avid fanbase. The team made a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers to acquire Isaiah Thomas, Channing Fyre, and a first-round draft pick in exchange for Jordan Clarkson and Larry Nance Jr.

Although the move cleared a considerable amount of cap space while taking on two expiring contracts as well as a draft pick, rap icon and diehard Lakers fan, Ice Cube, wasn't fond of the deal his team made. Cube took to Twitter after the deal was reported and expressed his discontent.

Despite the reactions of some Lakers fans, this may be a step in the right direction for the storied franchise. There's no doubting the talent of both Clarkson and Nance, but the money saved for a run at big-name free agents this summer could be a game changer for Magic Johnson and general manager Rob Pelinka.

With the Lakers brass now having the means to pursue both LeBron James and Paul George in NBA free agency this summer, the team that has struggled to even stay above or near .500 over the past half-decade or so can now may a serious play to become a title contender next season.

Obviously, a lot of things have to go in the Lakers' favor in order to land both of these superstars, but now it appears they'll have a seat at the table in free agency with the cap space to make it happen in July.