Lakers exploring trade that would land D’Angelo Russell

With the Lakers outside of playoff position just before the trade deadline, the organization is reportedly in talks over a major deal that would land a trio of players in exchange for Russell Westbrook and draft compensation.

Westbrook, who was reportedly involved in a halftime spat with coach Darvin Ham on Tuesday, has been the target of trade speculation all season long.

According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Lakers are in talks with the Jazz and Timberwolves on a deal that would see Westbrook land in Salt Lake City, while the Timberwolves would send D’Angelo Russell and Jarred Vanderbilt to Los Angeles.

Russell was the Lakers’ selection with the second overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. He played two seasons for the Lakers before he was traded to Brooklyn, where he went on to become an All-Star in 2019.

Ongoing discussions have included Utah’s Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt as part of the potential three-team deal to the Lakers, sources said. Sides are working through pick protections and additional draft compensation too, per sources. https://t.co/DoI0EBOBVq

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 8, 2023

Lakers would receive:

D’Angelo Russell

Jarred Vanderbilt

Malik Beasley

Jazz would receive:

Russell Westbrook

Timberwolves would receive: 

Mike Conley Jr.