Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Mike Conley, F Bojan Bogdanovic, G Jordan Clarkson
Utah Jazz Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
On the other hand, Lakers fans waited for the entirety of 2021-22 – waited for their team to start winning games, that is.
As it turned out, they were waiting for something that wouldn’t come. Russell Westbrook and LeBron James did not look like a smart pairing throughout the year. Moreover, Anthony Davis’ bouts of unavailability, and poor play when he was available, didn’t help matters.
In a sense, this was predictable. There’s never been a secret formula for building a team around James. You get him a co-star or two, and you get him as many elite shooters as you can. Apparently, the Lakers didn’t understand the formula.
After all, Westbrook is a notoriously poor shooter. Meanwhile, Davis’ efficiency from three-point range has been inconsistent throughout his career. At times, he’s looked like a good floor spacer for a big man. Unfortunately, 2021-22 was not one of those times.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Utah Jazz & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Hardship may have been predictable, but nobody saw a 34-win season coming. Now, the Lakers are in a position where unless they’re willing to part with draft capital, improvement will be hard to come by ahead of 2022-23.
Does this deal do enough to improve them?
