When Should Lakers Again Consider Russell Westbrook Trade amid Latest NBA Rumors?https://t.co/5NwlWyQ07J via @BleacherReport
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) October 6, 2022
In that potential deal, Los Angeles would have sent Westbrook and unprotected first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to Indiana in exchange for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, according to Charania, Amick and Buha.
Why didn’t that happen? Well, the Lakers included front-office members and owners in the loop, per The Athletic, and when there wasn’t a general consensus, vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka decided “to remain patient and see, yet again, if Westbrook might find a way to make this imperfect fit with the Lakers work.”
So, that’s where things stand. Los Angeles has played two preseason games with four more to go, then it will open the regular season with an Oct. 18 road matchup against defending NBA champions the Golden State Warriors.
It’s possible that the James/Davis/Westbrook trio will work much better in its second year. Injuries prevented the three of them from being on the court together a ton last season, so if they stay healthy and develop more chemistry, that could pay off in a big way.
James, Davis and Westbrook are all talented players. They just need to find a way to have success while in the same lineup.
But what if that doesn’t happen? Should the Lakers still be considering a Westbrook trade in case they get off to a slow start?
It’s not a bad idea. James is turning 38 in December, and he isn’t going to play forever. Los Angeles needs to put itself in the best position to contend for a championship now, and it’s possible its current lineup composition isn’t the way to do that.
So the Lakers should keep a Westbrook deal in mind. If things go wrong by December or even into the start of 2023, then it may be time to make a move. And hopefully, at that point, Westbrook’s value will still be high enough that Los Angeles can get a decent return.
LakerTom says
What this article and all of the fools who thought we should keep Russ need to remember is waiting until Dec 15 writes off 1/3 of season and waiting until Feb 9 trade deadline writes off 2/3 of the season. Lakers need to trade for Turner and Hield RIGHT NOW!
Jamie Sweet says
lol…
Jamie Sweet says
Doesn’t matter what we fools think, it’s what the fools running the ship actually do lol
DJ2KB24 says
“Ship of fools, everybody Wang Chung tonite.”
LakerTom says
What does it take to freeze the Lakers to do nothing? Adding 3 fool to the 3 who made last summer’s decision.
therealhtj says
Russ just needs to take more 3’s!