Utah Jazz guard Mike Conley. Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Lakers reportedly targeting one-time All-Star ahead of trade deadline

Originally posted on Sportsnaut | By Jason Burgos | Last updated 1/28/23

After acquiring Rui Hachimura this week, the Los Angeles Lakers may still not be done wheeling and dealing ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

Throughout the summer and into the new year, rumors of the Los Angeles Lakers' interest in making a big move for another star have followed them. Unfortunately, their lack of valuable players and draft assets to include in a blockbuster has hampered them in that pursuit. That is why they have instead shifted to making smaller moves to improve their bench and depth the rest of the way, like the Hachimura trade.

Los Angeles Lakers interested in veteran Mike Conley

Last week it was reported that the Los Angeles Clippers were interested in veteran point guard Mike Conley. Well, it seems like they aren’t the only team in town targeting the one-time All-Star.

Mike Conley stats (2022-2023): 10.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 37% 3PT

On Wednesday, Bleacher Report NBA insider Eric Pincus reported that the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves were also in the chase for the 16-year veteran and current Utah Jazz talent. Conley is a favorable option to playoff contenders not only because of his established point guard skills but also because “$14.3 million of [the] $24.4 million” he is set to make next season is guaranteed.

The Los Angeles Lakers already have three established point guards in Dennis Schroder, Patrick Beverley and one-time NBA MVP Russell Westbrook. However, none of them are the traditional floor general the team could use in the stretch run of the season.

This article first appeared on Sportsnaut and was syndicated with permission.

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