Utah Jazz Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic, G Jordan Clarkson, F/C Rudy Gay
Before diving into this one, let’s talk about what makes these Lakers’ picks so valuable.
Often, fans balk when their team acquires a pick that won’t convey for several years. Their logic is sometimes fair, but other times, it’s misguided. In this case, the Jazz would be receiving some of the most valuable assets in the NBA.
After all, these Lakers are not built to last. James is 37. Anthony Davis is 29, but due to injuries, he’s an old 29 – the odds of him being an All-Star contributor by 2027 are slim, let alone 2029. It doesn’t merely feel possible that the Lakers will be in the lottery by the time these picks convey: it feels downright probable.
Here, the Lakers opt against bringing Conley in to save one of their selections. That feels like the smartest move on their end. After all, they just acquired Patrick Beverley, so they’re probably set for a starting point guard.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers & Utah Jazz Updates
On the other hand, perhaps the Lakers would be willing to part with both picks, and would simply prefer a different package. In that event, these two sides may need to bring in a third team in order to get a deal done.
