Done Deal: 3-Team Blockbuster Re-Makes Lakers Roster


The Los Angeles Lakers have made a major move to re-make their roster, completing a blockbuster three-team deal that finally ends the Russell Westbrook Era, and brings in three new major pieces. 

The Lakers, Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves have completed the massive deal, which brings D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt to LA, while the T'Wolves get veteran point guard Mike Conley Jr., Nickeil Alexander-Walker and three second-round picks, and the Jazz get the Lakers' 2027 first-round pick (protected 1 through 4), along with Westbrook's $47M expiring contract, Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones.  

The Lakers have added a solid point guard in D'Lo, who's averaging 17.9 points, 6.2 assists and 39.1% from long-distance. Vanderbilt was a much-sought-after power forward at this deadline, and Beasley a solid shooting guard.

The T-Wolves stabilize their backcourt with a dependable veteran in Conley, who's been through the wars for 16 years in the NBA, and will add some solid leadership to the team.

Meanwhile, Jazz CEO Danny Ainge gets another one of the assets he loves to collect: a prime first-rounder. 

Per Woj, the Jazz now have 15 unprotected or lightly protected first-round picks through 2029, plus $60M in potential cap space to work with. Their core of Lauri Markkanen, Walker Kessler, Collin Sexton and Ochai Agbaji provides them with some actual real players to build with as well. 

Photo: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports