Lakers: Realistic 3-team Russell Westbrook trade with Jazz, Hornets
By Jason Reed
Why the Los Angeles Lakers could say yes:
There are some potential concerns about Mike Conley, who has entered that point in his career where his prime has definitely passed. Conley was really bad for the Jazz against the Dallas Mavericks, which is part of the reason why Utah may look to move him (more on that later).
However, at the end of the day, he cannot be any worse than Russell Westbrook was for the team. While he is no longer in his prime, Conley is still a good enough defensive player and is miles better than Westbrook is. With a smaller role in initiating the offense next to LeBron James, Conley could save his legs for key moments and in the playoffs.
Conley would be a great third veteran to bring to the Lakers. He is not going to be an all-star at this point in his career but if the Lakers can just get back to looking like the 2020 team with LeBron and AD dominating then they don’t need him to be. If he is a better Rajon Rondo that is huge for the team.
The Lakers get more depth by doing this than by just trading for Hayward and Mason Plumlee. Instead of Hayward, the Lakers get Royce O’Neale for forward depth and Plumlee to be the team’s traditional five.
There are potential injury concerns around Hayward and this is a better route for the Lakers to take. While Conley is up there in age, he did play 72 games last season and does not have the same injury history that Hayward does.
Overall, with this trade, the Lakers could field a starting five of Conley, Malik Monk, LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Mason Plumlee with a bench of Talen Horton-Tucker, Austin Reaves, Stanley Johnson and whatever other minimum players the team brings in.