Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic, G Mike Conley, G Jordan Clarkson 

Utah Jazz Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

It’s funny. The Jazz and Lakers both had disappointing seasons, yet, they had very different ones as well. 

The Jazz won 49 games and advanced to the playoffs. Granted, they were eliminated in the first round. For these hopeful contenders, the result was short of expectations. Still, it could have been worse. 

For example, look at the Los Angeles Lakers. They won 34 games and failed to even advance to the play-in tournament. Their year was nothing short of a disaster. 

The Jazz have already responded. This organization traded stars Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert this summer. They’re obviously ready to start rebuilding.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers & Utah Jazz Updates

With a 37-year-old LeBron James on the roster, however, the Lakers can’t afford to do the same. They need to find a way to improve and do it instantly. 

Which, of course, is a large part of why this trade needs to happen.