NBA Trade rumors have begun to heat up as we are less than 24 hours away from the league’s trade deadline passing. One of the teams that everyone is keeping an eye on is the Los Angeles Lakers.
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.
According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, in conjunction with Tony Jones, the Lakers are engaged in trade discussions with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves on a three-team deal. Point guard D’Angelo Russell would be heading to the Lakers with Russell Westbrook and draft compensation, likely a first-round pick, heading to the Jazz. Mike Conley Jr. would then be on his way to Minnesota.
That would be 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.Â
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves & Utah Jazz Updates
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 being discussed as players 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.
Want the latest in NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here.
Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook