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Rumors of trade negotiations between the LA Lakers and the Utah Jazz were one of the primary storylines of the offseason. While a trade failed to manifest over the summer, a recent rumor revealed one of the packages Utah offered in exchange for Russell Westbrook and draft capital.
Trade rumors involving the LA Lakers since the offseason have primarily centered around Russell Westbrook. Considering the nine-time All-Star's poor showing with the team, the Lakers have repeatedly been put in a situation to offload Russell Westbrook.
In an effort to do so, the Lakers were repeatedly linked to the Utah Jazz.
The Jazz have entered a full-blown rebuild this season. While trading away their superstar duo of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Jazz also attempted to offload veterans and stockpile draft capital.
With common interests in mind, the Lakers engaged in trade negotiations with the Jazz for a large part of the offseason. Unfortunately, neither team could agree to each other's offers.
While the majority of these deals are shrouded in mystery, the Jazz made their demands very clear. While Russell Westbrook was naturally a piece involved, the Jazz had their eyes set on LA's draft stock for the 2027 and 2029 NBA draft.
Naturally, the Lakers were unwilling to part with these picks in trade negotiations with the Jazz. However, one of Utah's offers to the Lakers for Russell Westbrook and the picks was only recently reported.
In an infuriating reveal to Lakers fans, The Athletic's Tony Jones addressed a rumor surrounding the deal Utah had agreed upon with LA. He said:
"Yes. Both picks for Bogey/Conley/Gay, with a '23 first-rounder going back to the Lakers."
The storyline surrounding Westbrook's trade to Utah itself has been confusing. The fact that the Lakers passed up on this trade package is baffling.
With the team missing the opportunity to regain one of their picks along with three potent veterans, fans have every right to be infuriated. With the LA Lakers still looking for trades to offload Russell Westbrook, the team will head back to the drawing board.
The Utah Jazz will enter trade talks with the LA Lakers for Russell Westbrook again
The LA Lakers have actively pursued several potential suitors for Russell Westbrook recently. Among the teams they have contacted, the Utah Jazz have emerged as a potential trade destination again.
The Jazz may not have the same assets as mentioned by Tony Jones earlier. However, they still have pieces that could greatly benefit the Lakers. With players such as Jordan Clarkson and Mike Conley, along with some other savvy veterans available, the Lakers could still swing for the fences to make a trade work.
Given that the Utah Jazz also have a priority in place with regards to securing a lottery pick, the team could benefit from making a trade happen.
As per ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Lakers won't be making trades until at least Thanksgiving. Several rumors suggest that this is primarily to match the timeline of Dennis Schroder's return from injury.
With particular interest in teams such as the Indiana Pacers and the Charlotte Hornets as well, the Lakers would be better served by keeping their options open.
Guess the Lakers players!
