The Lakers and Jazz have had “exploratory conversations” centered around guard Russell Westbrook, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
As the Lakers continue to make strides with both LeBron James and Anthony Davis back to full health, the team continues to sift through options to improve the team’s shooting at the deadline. Per Haynes, Pistons wing Bojan Bogdanovic remains a “principal target”, but there is skepticism regarding Detroit’s willingness to move him.
Westbrook’s trade value has steadied amid his move to the Lakers’ sixth man role, where he has thrived and anchored the Los Angeles second unit. He is averaging 15.7 points, 7.6 assists and 6.3 rebounds in 28.8 minutes per game this season.
The Lakers already made one trade last month, bringing aboard Rui Hachimura from the Wizards to improve their depth in the frontcourt. Even with Hachimura’s arrival, the Los Angeles front office believes they need to make “at least” one move at the deadline to improve their chances at competing for a championship this summer.
