After swinging a trade for Rui Hachimura this week, the Los Angeles Lakers may still not be done wheeling and dealing ahead of the NBA trade deadline.
The biggest story going on in Lakers land right now is superstar Lebron James and his chase for the all-time NBA scoring record. While that is a prestigious record to surpass, it is the biggest narrative surrounding the team because they are in the midst of another disappointing season heading into Saturday with a 23-26 record and a game against the league-leading Boston Celtics.
Throughout the summer and into the new year, rumors of the Los Angeles Lakers interest in making a big move for another star have followed them. Unfortunately, their lack of valuable players and draft assets to include in a blockbuster has hampered them in that pursuit.
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That is why they have instead shifted to making smaller moves to improve their bench and depth the rest of the way. Just like they did on Monday when they acquired former Washington Wizards lottery pick Rui Hachimura. And it seems they are not done wheeling and dealing on the fringes of the trade market.
Los Angeles Lakers interested in veteran Mike Conley
Last week it was reported that the Los Angeles Clippers were interested in veteran point guard Mike Conley. Well, it seems like they aren’t the only team in town targeting the one-time All-Star.
- Mike Conley stats (2022-2023): 10.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 37% 3PT
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report NBA insider Eric Pincus reported that the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves were also in the chase for the 16-year veteran and current Utah Jazz talent. Conley is a favorable option to playoff contenders not only because of his established point guard skills but also because “$14.3 million of [the] $24.4 million” he is set to make next season is guaranteed.
The Los Angeles Lakers already have three established point guards in Dennis Schroder, Patrick Beverley, and one-time NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. However, none of them are the traditional floor general the team could use in the stretch run of the season.