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3 moves the Lakers must now make after the Kevin Durant news

By Jason Reed

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Trade Talen Horton-Tucker and Wenyen Gabriel for Patrick Beverley

The Los Angeles Lakers should not stop at trade with the Indiana Pacers as they should also call the Utah Jazz for Patrick Beverley. Beverley was named by Shams Charania as a trade target for the Lakers after the Kevin Durant news and there are multiple ways the team can add him.

While the Lakers could also acquire Beverley as part of a bigger trade that involves Donovan Mitchell and the New York Knicks, Los Angeles might not want to wait on another superstar trade that might not even happen.

Plus, in that potential deal the team would see Julius Randle come back to LA. While I am a lot higher on Randle than most Laker fans, the Indiana deal for Hield and Turner is probably better than that, especially when you couple Beverley into the deal as well.

Beverley was just a thrown-in contract in the Rudy Gobert trade and he likely does not have much trade value on an expiring contract. A package headlined by a young player in Talen Horton-Tucker, who the Jazz reportedly were ready to take in the 2019 NBA Draft, should be enough to make a deal happen.

Wenyen Gabriel is in the trade for two reasons. First is the monetary reasons to make the trade happen and save the Lakers some money as a result. The second is to open up a roster spot for one more player.

Los Angeles currently has 14 players on the roster and trading Westbrook for Hield and Turner would bring the team up to 15. Rob Pelinka should open up one more roster spot for another addition that can make a big difference on this team.

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