Mike Conley of the Memphis Grizzlies is reportedly drawing attention from the Los Angeles Lakers now that he's a free agent. But, if the Lakers want to sign him, does that mean that they will have to release point guards Jordan Clarkson and D'Angelo Russell?
Conley has been with the Grizzlies since he was drafted by the team in 2007. Although he's now a free agent, he is still expected to sign with Memphis. But, this will only happen if the Grizzlies are willing to give him a max contract for at least five years.
If not, then Memphis will most likely lose Conley to another team.
One of the franchise that is on the lookout for Conley are the Lakers. According to reports, signing him is part of the team's effort to build up its roster, which includes new head coach Luke Walton from the Golden State Warriors.
But then again, going after Conley can be considered as a questionable move by the Lakers especially since they already have two talented point guards in the form of Clarkson and Russell. As noted by Sportsrageous, if the Lakers succeed in getting Conley, or if they are really focused on signing him, then it's possible that they might consider releasing these two guards. The Brooklyn Nets and New Orleans Pelicans can then swoop in to get Russell and Clarkson since these two teams are in need of point guards.
However, it is also possible that the Lakers will choose to keep all three guards and have them work together in an attempt to form a formidable shooting team. Clarkson and Russell's abilities to play effectively with and without the ball coupled with Conley's leadership and veteran experience can certainly help in making the Los Angeles franchise championship contender next season.
Still, going after Conley could be a bit challenging for the Lakers especially since there are other teams vying for his signature. As noted by Chris Broussard of ESPN, aside from the Lakers and the Grizzlies, the Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Pelicans, and the Nets, are all hoping to acquire him.
