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The Los Angeles Lakers clearly need to shuffle things around on their roster this offseason, as they were a first-round exit to the Phoenix Suns when they were expecting to be a championship contender. While some of the issues stemmed from injuries to Anthony Davis and LeBron James, it seemed as though the whole roster simply needed more chemistry overall. It also looked as though the roster lacked offense aside from its two superstars, and the Lakers have chosen to address that need via trade.
Russell Westbrook has been officially traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers would have had a hole at point guard with guard Dennis Schroder’s departure in free agency, and it is clear that Russell Westbrook is a replacement but also an upgrade. The Los Angeles Lakers have added another star to the roster, and that is great news for their championship chances next season.
The Washington Wizards have agreed to trade Russell Westbrook, 2024 second-round pick, 2028 second-round pick to the Los Angeles Lakers for Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and No. 22 tonight, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 30, 2021
Lakers receive Westbrook to team up with LeBron and AD — along with two future second-rounders. Washington receives some strong rotational pieces and the No. 22 pick tonight, giving GM Tommy Sheppard the ability to continue improving the Wizards organically and flexibly. https://t.co/N0HMSzE0Ci
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 30, 2021
There is no doubt that Westbrook could bring benefits to the Los Angeles Lakers’ offense. Russell Westbrook is a threat to get a triple-double every night, and he would add a much-needed playmaker to the team for when LeBron James sits. His scoring at the rim and his rebounding are also much-needed things on the Lakers. Westbrook is a former MVP, and there is no doubt that the Lakers’ big three is one to be reckoned with. Talent-wise, these Lakers would be among the best in the NBA.
It remains to be seen what other moves the Los Angeles Lakers make, but this is certainly a great start to their offseason. Hopefully, we see the Los Angeles Lakers make more moves, and gear up for another championship season. LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook certainly have the ability to get it done, and if the Lakers can surround them with a good supporting cast, they could be back in the NBA Finals once again.
