Acquire Key Utah Jazz Veterans
Utah Jazz Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Mike Conley, F Bojan Bogdanovic, G Patrick Beverley
If the Indiana Pacers decide they’re not interested in what the Lakers are selling, they should give the Utah Jazz a call next.
This deal again has them swapping the same package for a group of veterans they can actually use. If the Lakers can manage either of these deals this summer, they’ll be in a much-improved position heading into 2022-23.
The fit with Mike Conley is particularly intriguing here. In many ways, he’s the antithesis of Westbrook. Conley can’t overwhelm opponents with his athleticism, but he’s a high-level decision-maker who’s also an extremely credible threat from three-point range.
Meanwhile, so is Bogdanovic. His ability to space the floor and also create his own shot when asked to should make him the perfect fit alongside James. Finally, Patrick Beverley’s low-maintenance 3-and-D style is a good fit for anyone.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND RUMORS: 3 Trades To Send Los Angeles Lakers’ Russell Westbrook To Utah Jazz
Furthermore, moving Westbrook ought to make for some addition by subtraction. With that said, if the Lakers can’t convince anyone to trade him, they may still be able to move the needle this summer.
