LA Lakers Trade Rumors: Russell Westbrook trade conversation with Utah Jazz begin

According to multiple sources, the LA Lakers and the Utah Jazz have entered into a conversation for a trade for Russell Westbrook.

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly been in contact with multiple teams in an attempt to find improvements and allow the team to make it to the postseason, which does not appear likely at this time. The Lakers are looking for a premium shooting option, with Detroit Pistons sharpshooter Bojan Bogdanovic as a primary target, but the Pistons' willingness to trade him is questionable.

To improve their chances, the team plans to make at least one more move before the trade deadline on February 9th. While nothing is set in stone for the time being, the LA Lakers have entered 'exploratory talks' with the Jazz. The Jazz is looking to stockpile resources to fund their rebuild in the coming months, and have retained a variety of assets from their All-Star trades of Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

Regardless, it will be interesting to see whether the LA Lakers are able to trade a player who is on a huge contract and does not offer a lot of future value as well.

Russell Westbrook soon to be shipped out of LA Lakers?

Westbrook was widely expected to help the LA Lakers turn into championship contenders after his much-publicized move. However, the truth has been far from that and he has finally settled into a fringe role, vying for the sixth man of the year award this year.

However, his contract and the value that the LA Lakers and LeBron James placed on him means that Westbrook will need to be moved as soon as possible, especially if the LA Lakers hope to make anything out of their current season. Anthony Davis recently returned from another injury layoff and finished with 31 points, 14 rebounds, and two blocks against the Indiana Pacers.

If LeBron James and Anthony Davis can stay healthy, there is little doubt that the LA Lakers might as well have a championship-contending team if they are able to bring in another star in place of Russell Westbrook. Of course, options might be limited for the LA Lakers, with Bradley Beal also being linked in recent days.

There is little doubt that the remaining days before the NBA trade deadline hits can be crucial to the LA Lakers' season.