Lakers reportedly outbid by Timberwolves for $20M veteran All-Star, Luka Doncic backup

The Los Angeles Lakers currently sit in the middle of the Western Conference standings. With this likely being LeBron James’ final season in Los Angeles, he has made it clear that he wants to spend the twilight of his career competing for a championship.

“LeBron wants to compete for a championship,” Rich Paul told ESPN. “He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all. We are very appreciative of the partnership that we've had for eight years with Jeanie [Buss] and Rob [Pelinka] and consider the Lakers as a critical part of his career.”

With the trade deadline now passed, the Lakers can only improve their roster through the buyout market. One name that had surfaced was Mike Conley.

“If Conley can even begin to return to the level of efficiency he's routinely displayed from beyond the arc, he'd instantly help a Lakers team that ranks No. 18 in three-point field goal percentage. Furthermore, Conley is a quality playmaker who can get the offense into its sets and find open teammates without the risk of turnovers. He averaged 4.5 assists to just 1.1 turnovers in 24.7 minutes per game last season, and could help save Los Angeles' dreadfully unproductive second unit,” Lake Show Life’s Maxwell Ogden wrote.

However, on Friday, it was announced that Conley will be returning to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

“Free agent guard Mike Conley Jr. plans to return to the Minnesota Timberwolves, sources tell ESPN. The sides are working on timing of him re-signing. Conley was traded twice this week – to Chicago, then to Charlotte – before being released and allowed to rejoin the Wolves,” ESPN’s Shams Charania posted.

While this isn’t a major loss for the Lakers, it would have been helpful to add another veteran voice to the locker room. Conley could have provided stability, especially if Luka Doncic’s injury ends up being more serious.

Los Angeles will continue searching for one final addition through the buyout market. It’s now just a matter of who becomes available, but missing out on Conley could sting as the postseason approaches.