The Los Angeles Lakers are planning for a better season this time around as they are almost done with their roster changes this offseason. However, it seems like Rob Pelinka is still eyeing some potential players who could add some flair to the Lakers roster. LA has only a single roster spot left, and they have been gunning hard for the Nets\’ guard Kyrie Irving. With no resources in the cap, the Lakers only have a trade option available.
While the Lakers would do anything to get Irving and send Westbrook away, the discussions between the two franchises are not going too great. If things do not work out, Irving would have to stay with the Nets. And the Lakers will have to look for a veteran three-point shooting point guard elsewhere.
Recently, reports have suggested that the Lakers might have expressed their interest in Utah Jazz\’s guard Patrick Beverley. The former Minnesota guard was sent to the Utah Jazz this summer in exchange for Rudy Gobert. However, the Jazz is potentially trading Donavan Mitchell, triggering a rebuild for the franchise. Thus, it makes no sense to hold onto Beverley, who is in the final year of his contract.
Can The Lakers Get Patrick Beverley?
As per NBA expert Jake Fischer, the Lakers and the Heat are the two teams interested in trading for the 34-year-old. Fischer claimed Patrick Beverley is a strong trade candidate. Philadelphia is also in the race for Beverley due to his Houston experience and the 76ers\’ connections with the Rockets. However, Jake believes that Philadelphia would be an unlikely destination for Patrick after the franchise acquired De\”Anthony Melton during the draft.
Meanwhile, Beverley has a year and $13 million left on his contract. Hence, the Lakers would have to work out a trade deal. LA could get the Jazz point guard for Talen-Horton Tucker. However, there is a big possibility that the Jazz might demand a draft pick along with Horton. While the Lakers have made it clear that their future draft picks were off the table, they could make the deal by offering one or two second-round picks.
At the same time, if the Lakers sign Beverley, it would be a little weird for the LA fans, who consider him an enemy. But, there is no doubt that the struggling franchise will benefit from Patrick\’s toughness and defense-first guarding. Moreover, Patrick Beverly said earlier he would like to play with LeBron James at the Los Angeles Lakers. Thus, the James and Anthony Davis-led team could do wonders under Darvin Ham\’s guidance with Beverly in the squad.