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NBA Trade rumors: Lakers in talks for shocking reunion with 3-team deal

By Jonathan Lurensky

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 06: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is guarded by Max Christie #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter of their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 06: D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves is guarded by Max Christie #10 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the second quarter of their preseason game at T-Mobile Arena on October 06, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 114-99. 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 Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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According to Shams Charania, the Lakers are close to making a three-team trade with the Timberwolves and Jazz, built around D’Angelo Russell.

According to Shams Charania, the Lakers are nearing a three-way deal with the Jazz and Timberwolves to acquire D’ Angelo Russell and two other pieces from the Jazz after trading Westbrook and two first-round picks. Is this trade a win for the Lakers? Is it good for the Timberwolves?

Discussions are still ongoing as pick compensation is still being decided on, but the Lakers are on their way to getting massive upgrades for LeBron and Anthony Davis by getting Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt.

What is the expected return for all three teams in the Lakers, D’Angelo Russell deal? 

For the Lakers, this would be a massive haul even if they had to give their two first-round draft picks. The Lakers would be able to acquire an above-average point guard in Russell, a starter in Beasley, and a solid front-court player in Vanderbilt.

The Lakers would be giving up Russell Westbrook to the Jazz and sending picks as well in the deal. It is unclear whether it is one pick or two picks. The Jazz and Lakers have been in discussion for a Westbrook deal with reports picking up again a little while ago.

It can be assumed that in the deal the picks would be going to the Jazz, as the Timberwolves are getting a better fit for their team in this deal.  The Timberwolves would be acquiring Mike Conley, who would be a better fit for Russell who is horribly defensively, especially on the perimeter.

Conley would be an upgrade to a team that has round perimeter defense. The Timberwolves have been trying to change point guard since it seems the offseason after they traded for Rudy Gobert. Conley and Gobert were also teammates with the Jazz for the past few seasons.

A deal template like this would be a win-win-win for all sides, as the Jazz would be getting pick compensation, the Lakers would be getting help for LeBron and Anthony Davis, and the Timberwolves would get a better point guard fit for their team. It seems that the discussion centered around getting Russell for the Lakers, started today with Woj reporting that the Lakers have rejoined talks with the Timberwolves.

According to Chris Haynes, Westbrook is expected to be bought out if the deal goes through. As mentioned the other day, the Heat have an interest in signing Westbrook if he is bought out of his contract. Additionally, getting rid of Dewayne Dedmon’s contract was a signal that the Heat was interested in signing Westbrook in the buyout market.

If the Lakers were able to get this deal done, James and Davis would have proper reinforcements to make this team better.

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