Lakers Trade Point Guards In Hopes of Making A Title Run

By Alex Benjamin

Getty Images/Ringer illustration The Los Angeles Lakers have made a big move ahead of the trade deadline, finalizing a deal that sees them land Minnesota's D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley, and Jarred Vanderbilt in exchange for Mike Conley and picks going to the Timberwolves and Russell Westbrook and a lightly protected 2027 LA first-round pick going to the Utah Jazz.

The Lakers have been in search of a major shake-up to jumpstart their season and this trade seems to be exactly what they need. You could tell the Lakers were ready to take action the moment LeBron stated he could still win championships with "any organization" last night. As soon as we heard about the minor altercation between Russell Westbrook and Darvin Ham, we knew that he would be moved. They have upgraded their point guard position with DLo, added a shooter in Beasley, and picked up a young and versatile big man in Vanderbilt. Additionally, they have got rid of Russell Westbrook, who has struggled to fit in with the Lakers.

That's an excellent return and demonstrates to LeBron that you're still giving it your all. Also, they didn't have to trade the 2029 pick, so they technically can make another move tomorrow. Should I care? Since the Lakers are now two games behind the 10 seed and need to catch up to the top six seeds, they have some ground to make up. Not impossible, but please let me know what AD I'm getting. All of this won't really matter if it's the one we saw last night. If he's a top 10 man and engaged? The Lakers are at least better prepared to truly make things interesting.

The Wolves, on the other hand, are left with a lot of questions. Why are they still making trades with Danny Ainge? Mike Conley is a solid player, but DLo has been having a better season, especially as of late. It's unclear how this trade will help the Wolves secure a spot in the play-in tournament or even make it to the top 6.

Danny Ainge has finally achieved his goals with the Jazz. He has now added a second first-round selection (top four protected), sold some assets, and is free to continue his rebuilding efforts.

As for Westbrook, it's anyone's guess where he'll end up. Teams like the Miami Heat are rumored to be interested, and since he won't cost much, someone is sure to take a chance on him

The trade deadline is always an exciting time in the NBA and this deal only adds to the drama. With a full day still to go, there's sure to be more movement and excitement in the coming hours.

The Lakers have made a solid trade that should give them a much-needed boost, while the Wolves and Jazz have both made moves that align with their respective goals. The Russell Westbrook era in LA has come to an end and the focus now shifts to what the Lakers can do with their new pieces. With LeBron James still in the mix, the Lakers could make a deep playoff run this season, but it remains to be seen if they have the pieces to make it happen. I just might put a future of the Lakers winning the west.