Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal

This one is a no-brainer for the Lakers. 

In contrast to the Jazz and the Rockets, they need impact veterans badly. That’s obvious – with James still performing like a superstar, they’ve got no choice but to make win-now moves. The only question here is why they’d prefer Eric Gordon to Conley. 

The answer is simple. The Lakers already acquired Patrick Beverley this summer. At this stage in their respective careers, he’s likely a more impactful player than Conley.

The difference is on the defensive end. Conley is a small guard, and as he ages, he’s becoming a liability on that end. Meanwhile, Beverley remans one of the best point of attack defenders in the league. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mike Conley, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers & Houston Rockets Updates

Finally, the benefit of landing Bogdanovic is obvious. He’s an adequate defensive wing, elite floor spacer, and solid shot creator. He’s the type of player who’ll fit alongside any roster and will be a great complement to James. 

That’s key for the Lakers. After all, James, in essence, is the most modern point guard of all.