Charlotte Hornets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Utah Jazz Receive: C Mason Plumlee, G/F Troy Brown Jr., G/F Austin Reaves, 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Gordon Hayward, F Bojan Bogdanovic, G Jordan Clarkson
To be clear, it’s not an absolute fact that the Lakers ought to prefer Hayward to Conley. Still, we don’t think it’s a difficult case to make.
Patrick Beverley is the first factor. The Lakers could stand to improve their wing depth by forming a platoon at the point guard spot between Conley and Beverley. Meanwhile, as the vastly superior defender, Beverley is probably the better fit in a system that will mostly have its point guard shooting 3s anyway.
Of course, the Lakers create a different logjam here. Between James, Hayward, and Bogdanovic, they’ll have three starting-caliber wings. In our opinion, that’s not a concern that should dissuade them from making this deal.
The Lakers can simply mix and match until they see what works. Perhaps James runs the point full time, with Beverley as the off-guard.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers & Utah Jazz Updates
Alternatively, Hayward’s playmaking abilities could make him an interesting co-sixth man with Clarkson – it won’t be difficult to find 30 minutes per game for each off the bench.
The bottom line is, this deal makes the Lakers better. In fact, all of them do. Moreover, each put the Jazz in a better position as well. For that reason, we’re absolutely begging them to make one of them. Please?
