What does Lakers' trade for Patrick Beverley mean for future of Russell Westbrook, LA's commitment to LeBron James?

With a month remaining until training camp for the 2022-23 season, the Lakers are looking to make the most of what remains of the offseason.

On Wednesday night, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Lakers acquired Patrick Beverley from the Jazz in exchange for Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson. While Beverley adds an edge to a Lakers team that missed the postseason in 2022, the trade could be much more than what meets the eye.

After securing a commitment from LeBron James through at least the 2023-24 season, acquiring Beverley reiterates a focus on the big picture while still improving the roster after a disappointing year.

Here is all you need to know about the trade itself and the flexibility it affords the Lakers moving forward.

Lakers-Jazz trade details

As noted above, the Lakers acquired Beverley for Horton-Tucker and Johnson, a 2-for-1 move that frees up a roster spot in LA.

The move does not include any future draft picks, which is significant for Los Angeles' ability to negotiate with other teams moving forward.

• Lakers receive: Patrick Beverley
• Jazz receive: Talen Horton-Tucker, Stanley Johnson

Will the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook now?

Let's address the elephant in the room.

As a result of a checkered history, Beverley and Westbrook aren't exactly fond of one another and it's fair to wonder whether or not they will actually take the floor as teammates in Los Angeles.

LA's acquisition of Beverley has caused many to speculate whether or not this is a move made with the idea that Westbrook's days as a Laker are numbered. In addition to their longstanding spat, they both play the lead guard position, which, when accounting for the return of Kendrick Nunn, makes for a crowded Lakers backcourt.

The dynamic has caused the trade machines to hum once again. 

Because the Lakers retained their future first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, they have two valuable trade chips that can be attached as a sweetener along with Westbrook's expiring $47.0 million contract. But who will bite?

With the Nets deciding to run things back with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving, the Pacers have re-emerged as the most logical destination for Westbrook, as a package of Buddy Hield and Myles Turner would both address significant needs for LA and would almost match money-wise.

The Hield-Turner duo is set to make a combined $39.2 million this upcoming season, just $7.8 million shy of Westbrook's salary. Could the Lakers buy low on TJ McConnell, who missed 55 games last season and is set to make $8.1 million in the 2022-23 campaign?

It may seem like a lot in return for LA, but the Pacers are looking to build for the future and parting ways with the 30-year-old McConnell could be a step forward and worth the acquisition of picks that would convey when LeBron is well into his 40s, provided he's still in the league.

MORE: Why Lakers are 'hopeful' Russell Westbrook will grow as corner 3-point shooter

Impact on LeBron James' future with Lakers

James signed a two-year contract extension with the Lakers but within it is a player option for the 2024-25 season.

Essentially, James is firmly committed to LA for the next two seasons with plenty to be determined.

James' upcoming player option gives him the opportunity to retain flexibility and maximize his earning potential, all while keeping pressure on Lakers brass to continue to make moves to improve the roster.

For Rob Pelinka and the Lakers front office, there's a two-year clock to rebuild the franchise back into contender status, as James' potential to move on will continue to loom as a threat.

Savvy trades and bargain signings in free agency will be the key to building this team to compete around James, who, entering his 20th season, remains a top-10 player in the league that can be the franchise player on a title team.

MORE: How LeBron's contract extension impacts Lakers long-term plans

Lakers' financial flexibility

As noted by ESPN's Bobby Marks, the deal does plenty to free up potential money for the Lakers moving forward.

Trade recap

To LAL: P. Beverley ($13M)

LAL opens up a roster spot and financial flexibility in 2023-24 (could have up to $34M in room)

To UTH: T. Horton-Tucker ($10.3M) and S. Johnson ($2.35M)

The Jazz create a $2.74M TE and have 15 guaranteed contracts.

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) August 25, 2022

In addition to opening up a roster spot, Beverley's $13.0 million contract will expire at the end of the 2022-23 season, meaning the team could have up to $34 million in cap room next offseason with James and Anthony Davis both under contract for the 2023-24 campaign.

Irving, who was linked to the Lakers throughout this offseason, will be an unrestricted free agent in 2023, while Gary Trent Jr., a Klutch Sports client, has a player option for the 2023-24 season.

Other potential free agents of note include a host of former Lakers in Josh Hart (player option) Kyle Kuzma (player option), Larry Nance Jr. (unrestricted) and D'Angelo Russell (unrestricted).

MORE: How Lakers' free-agent signings fit with LeBron, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook

Lakers depth chart