The Lakers could get involved as a third team in a Donovan Mitchell trade with the Knicks, Marc Stein of Substack relays.
If New York agrees to acquire Mitchell, they’ll likely send back several veteran players to Utah. Stein hears that Russell Westbrook could be sent to Utah in such an arrangement where some of New York’s package gets re-routed to Los Angeles.
The Lakers haven’t been willing to part with both their 2027 and 2029 first-round pick in a deal that moves Westbrook. However, it’s a much more appealing scenario if Los Angeles is able to get back several contributors.
Possible Options For Los Angeles
Cam Reddish, who is making $5.9 million, has been linked to the Lakers in the past and New York surrendered a first-rounder to acquire him last season. Reddish, along with a few veterans on mid-sized deals makes for a tantalizing package for the Lakers.
Derrick Rose is making $14.5 million this season and Evan Fournier is making $18 million. Each contract has multiple years on remaining on it, though if the Laker are willing to take back future money, perhaps they can net the pair of veterans and Reddish without giving up both of their first-round picks.
Other options include the Lakers making a play for Mike Conley, who is 34 years old but made the All-Star team during the 2020-21 season. Conley is making $22.6 million this upcoming year, though he has two years remaining on his deal.
