The Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Utah Jazz had been discussing a major trade involving Russell Westbrook, D’Angelo Russell, and Mike Conley leading up to the NBA trade deadline. They finally reached an agreement on a deal.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the trade agreement involves the Lakers landing D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt. The Jazz will receive Westbrook and a first-round pick. The Timberwolves will receive Conley.
Los Angeles made a move a few weeks ago when they acquired Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Kendrick Nunn and three future second-round picks. While a nice addition to the team, no one believed the Lakers to be done wheeling and dealing.
Hachimura alone wouldn’t help make the Lakers contenders this season. But, the team is deep into discussions to make another trade that they are hoping will put them on track to competing in the Western Conference.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves & Utah Jazz Updates
It’s a nice addition for the Lakers as Russell’s skill set is a much better fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis than Westbrook’s. The Timberwolves would get some much-needed veteran leadership for their squad, pairing Conley back up with Rudy Gobert.
Utah came into the season looking to rebuild and stockpile as many assets as they could. This trade would accomplish that, but there will be even more moving parts. Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt are also on their way to Los Angeles. Draft picks and protections are still being discussed.
Landing those two players would likely require the Lakers to part with another first-round pick or at the very least a swap in 2026 or 2028.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves & Utah Jazz Updates
Adding three legitimate rotation pieces in Russell, Beasley and Vanderbilt would be a massive upgrade for the Lakers, as they would fill virtually all of the weaknesses on their roster in one fell swoop.
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