While the much-discussed Pacers package of Myles Turner and Buddy Hield could certainly be revisited by The Los Angeles Lakers if and when they resume trade talks, O’Connor identifies the Utah Jazz as a potential trade partner to keep an eye on.
The Los Angeles Lakers intend to reopen trade talks with the Utah Jazz soon
Count NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer among those who believe the Lakers should be feeling some urgency to find a trade involving Russell Westbrook as soon as possible.
See more: NBA Power Ranking Week 1: First looks at each team
According to league sources, before trading Bojan Bogdanovic to Detroit, the Lakers offered Westbrook, a future first-round pick, and second-round picks to Utah in exchange for Bogdanovic and others. O’Connor adds that sources expect the two teams to reopen trade talks at some point, as the Jazz still have veterans like Jordan Clarkson, Mike Conley, and/or Rudy Gay who could help the Lakers.
As O’Connor points out, the Hornets were considered a potential trade partner for the Lakers and Westbrook in the spring, but that was when Charlotte was preparing to make a lucrative offer to Miles Bridges and was motivated to move off some multiyear salary. With Bridges’ NBA future uncertain due to domestic violence allegations, the Hornets may no longer prioritize dumping long-term salary.
More on the Lakers and Russell Westbrook:
When Westbrook returned to the game late in the Lakers’ loss to Portland on Sunday, the offense lost its rhythm, and both argue that the team should seriously consider taking the point guard out of its closing lineup going forward.
Read also about Russell Westbrook: Russell Westbrook has received harsh criticism for his recent performances
According to Broderick Turner of The Los Angeles Times, the Lakers’ three-point shooting remained an issue on Sunday. On Sunday, the club shot 6-of-33 (18.2%) from beyond the arc, its lowest single-game rate. The Lakers’ 21.2% three-point percentage through three games is easily the worst in the NBA — Chicago is second-worst at 29.3%.
Anthony Davis was “visibly frustrated” after Sunday’s loss, according to McMenamin. “There’s no way we’re supposed to lose this game,” Davis said. “That’s where my frustration comes from.”
