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.