Among the umpteen summer trade rumors involving Russell Westbrook was one that would’ve sent him to the Utah Jazz for sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic.
The Los Angeles Lakers apparently had real talks with the Jazz, who, reportedly, even made L.A. an offer that seemed pretty favorable, but the Lakers said no.
Bogdanovic was eventually dealt to the Detroit Pistons, a cellar-dweller that has a much better chance of winning the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes than of reaching the play-in tournament.
Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports indicated the Lakers may try again to acquire Bogdanovic at some point.
“He’s a player that I think a lot of winning teams, a team looking to get to the second round that’s never gotten there or a team that wants to push their way to really be a title threat (would want)… Phoenix was at the top of everyone’s list in terms of suitors that have capital to pay in addition to talent and the salaries that made sense. … The Lakers were obviously involved. I got a list of other teams that I think have called and contacted, but nothing too crazy at this point in terms of actual conversations that are still ongoing. I do know Detroit is getting calls on him just like any team (when) we’re getting close to the Dec. 15 area where a lot of players who signed (in free agency last summer) are going to be eligible (to be traded). That’s kind of the unofficial start of the trade window. But also he’s playing really well for this team right now.”
Bogdanovic is certainly playing well for Detroit. He is averaging 20.1 points a game on 50% overall shooting and 41.6% from 3-point range on 6.7 attempts per contest.
He would dramatically improve the Lakers’ putrid 3-point shooting, and at 6-foot-7 and 225 pounds, he could slide into their thin power forward spot, even though he is lacking on the defensive end.
What a potential Bogdanovic trade could look like
Fischer also proposed an exact trade that would also land the Lakers a useful wing and another man who could play center for them.
Via Yahoo Sports:
“Were the Lakers to circle back on Bogdanovic, his deal alongside Alec Burks’ — whom New York discussed with Los Angeles at last year’s deadline, per sources — plus Nerlens Noel’s $9 million salary, would meet Russell Westbrook’s large number. And perhaps that level of return could be a middle ground for the dissenting viewpoints in Lakerland, allowing Los Angeles to add much-need reinforcements for LeBron James, but still saving future draft ammo for next season’s war chest. That haul would not exactly be Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, but perhaps Detroit general manager Troy Weaver would welcome his former Thunder colleague’s expiring salary at the cost of only one of Los Angeles’ first-round picks eligible for trade.”
Burks, who is 6-foot-6 and about 215 pounds, can play both the 2 and 3 and is a career 38% 3-point shooter who made more than 40% of his attempts from downtown in each of the last two seasons.
Noel, meanwhile, could give head coach Darvin Ham another option at center if needed.
The Lakers will get a close look at Bogdanovic, Burks and Noel when the Pistons come to Crypto.com Arena to play them on Friday.
