Lakers On The Cusp Of Acquiring Playmaker That Could Make Sense

Understandably, the Los Angeles Lakers want to turn things around fast. And aware that they need a proven point guard, it appears adding someone like Patrick Beverly makes sense.

According to sources cited by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, the purple and gold are nearing a deal to acquire the 34-year-old veteran guard from the Utah Jazz. But in return, the Lakers are set to give up Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson to make the trade happen.

Beverly thus shuts the door on any point guard alternatives for the Lakers. Kyrie Irving, a popular target is likely officially out of the mix once the deal is sealed. However, Los Angeles may have already accepted this, especially after the Brooklyn Nets and Kevin Durant agreed to keep their partnership going.

Dennis Schroder, a former Laker, was also someone mentioned as a possible target. But with their forgettable past, going with the defensive-minded Beverly may have been a better move.

Beverly is on an expiring one-year deal worth $13 million. This could be a short-term fix for the Lakers, raising questions on whether it was wise to give up two young and promising players.

Horton-Tucker has shown promise although that has not been seen in the regular season. Stanley Johnson is another one who has shown grit, a reason why the Lakers held on to him.

With the Jazz, the young duo could finally break out of their shell and show what they truly have. THT also joins another former Laker in Jordan Clarkson, currently representing the Philippines in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers.

Beverly is likely to play behind Russell Westbrook. However, this will depends if the latter can play at a high level under the watch of new head coach Darvin Ham. If the 33-year-old guard fails to play well, don’t be surprised to see Beverly getting more minutes as he tries to clamp down key players from opposing NBA teams.