NBA Trade Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz still engaged in talks?

NBA Trade Rumors: The Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz may still be discussing a possible trade.

With just a couple of weeks before the start of NBA training camps, there are a few teams that are scanning the rest of the league in an attempt to make one more move before rosters are set to start the regular season. And one of those teams appears to be the Los Angeles Lakers.

According to a recent report, the Lakers and Jazz are still discussing the possibility of a trade. Likely with Bojan Bogdanovic and Russell Westbrook being at the center of a package.

Are the Los Angeles Lakers targeting Bojan Bogdanovic?

If the Lakers and Jazz are still discussing a possible deal, you’d have to imagine that there are two options that Los Angeles could be considering – Jordan Clarkson or Bojan Bogdanovic. Both Clarkson (player option) and Bogdanovic are likely considered expiring contracts and that’s exactly the type of player that the Lakers will be pursuing.

Russell Westbrook likely has to be included in a potential deal, including one or both of LA’s eligible first-round picks. Even though Bogdanovic is older, he may be a better fit for the Lakers. He’s a player that could be relied on a bit more (due to his experience) and is a better offensive player – or has been thus far in his career.

Coming off a season in which he averaged 18 points and four rebounds per game on 46 percent shooting from the field and 39 percent shooting from 3-point range, it’s easy to see why he would be an appealing target.

He’d be a great shooter next to LeBron and AD and could also be a third option that the Lakers haven’t had on the roster in quite some time. Clarkson may be the younger option, but Bogdanovic seems like the safer play for this season.

Though, the big question that the Lakers must answer is whether burning their assets on Bogdanovic would be worth it. That’s why the Lakers should be taking a patient approach when it comes to pulling this (likely) final move before settling on a final roster for the 2022-23 NBA season.

Could the Jazz and Lakers come to an agreement regarding a trade at some point over the next few weeks? Absolutely. However, it would be extremely surprising if it came soon. This feels like something that could linger up to the NBA Trade Deadline.