Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal 

This is a risky investment for the Lakers. Making this deal would put them in championship-or-bust mode. 

At the same time: aren’t they already there? The Lakers owe their first-round pick to the New Orleans Pelicans this year. This aging, veteran squad has no incentive to lose, and yet, they’re losing anyway. 

This deal ought to remedy that. Conley is the headliner: he’s an elite floor spacer and heady decision-maker that ought to compliment James. 

Still, don’t sell Olynyk and Beasley short, either. Both serve to improve this team’s dreadful spacing.

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

All told, this deal should give the Lakers at least a puncher’s chance at winning an NBA title this season. 

That feels like money worth spending.