Russell Westbrook may actually end up finding a new home despite his resurgence as the Los Angeles Lakers’ sixth man.
The 34-year-old has been one of the names expected to be traded when the window opens, and while there have been reports of the Lakers intending to retain his services, Westbrook’s time at Los Angeles might just come to a close before the end of this season.
Per Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus, the guard’s fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis is still a concern internally. This development comes on the back of the Lakers also looking to trade point guards Kendrick Nunn and Patrick Beverley.
Pincus, in his trade season storyline, said:
The Lakers feel like they’re not far from fielding a contender. Coach Darvin Ham getting Russell Westbrook to accept a role off the bench has increased his value to the team, especially as a playmaker for a resurgent Anthony Davis.
But concerns persist internally that Westbrook doesn’t complement LeBron James and that the mix of stars may not work in the postseason when rotations shorten. The Lakers also have guards Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn (all three expiring contracts) as trade pieces for a smaller deal—or with Westbrook in a potential blockbuster.
Westbrook has already been linked with the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat. Other potential landing spots include the New York Knicks and the Charlotte Hornets.
The Lakers Three-Pronged Approach For Trade Included Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook’s tenure with the Purple and Gold has been one of the storylines since the offseason. However, he has been instrumental for the Lakers as their sixth man this season, averaging 14.7 points, 5.9 points, and 7.5 assists. He’s been knocking down 40.3% from the field and 28.4% from three-point land.
That said, trading the former MVP has apparently been the first option in the front office’s three-pronged approach as the December 15 trade date approaches. According to The Athletic’s Jovan Buha:
The Lakers’ updated timeline on beginning to explore trade options is Dec. 15 and they are weighing three different paths, sources tell @jovanbuha:
◻️ Trade Russell Westbrook
◻️ Trade some combination of Pat Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and picks
◻️ Two separate deals pic.twitter.com/AcpvgPTmhN
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 1, 2022
The Lakers’ updated timeline on beginning to explore trade options is Dec. 15 and they are weighing three different paths, sources tell @jovanbuha
Trade some combination of Pat Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and picks
Two separate deals
For now, there have been no concrete developments, but with the buzz surrounding the explosive Westbrook, only time will tell if he indeed gets shipped before the end of the season. On the game front, the Lakers will play the Denver Nuggets next.
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