The Los Angeles Lakers are still battling rumors of what they intend to do with point guard Russell Westbrook. While people like LeBron James have been vouching for Russ to have a comeback season, the player is incessantly linked in trade rumors.
One of the teams linked most often with Russ is the Indiana Pacers. The Pacers are willing to accept the final year of Westbrook’s contract, provided the Lakers give both their remaining first-round picks to them in exchange for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. LA has not been willing to get that deal done, but former NBA Coach of the Year Sam Mitchell believes the team has no choice but to go all-in.
“If the Lakers do this, then they’re all-in until they see if this thing is not going to work. If I am the Lakers, I do the deal. I would hate giving up all that they have to give up, but if I got LeBron for 2 years and you figure that the best 2 years you’re going to get from AD are the next 2 years. I do the deal and if it don’t work, I cut bait and trade everybody next year.”
Should the #Lakers trade for Buddy Hield & Myles Turner? Sam Mitchell says yes #LakeShow@SamMitchellNBA | @RickKamlaSports pic.twitter.com/1qP7KkLByC
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 11, 2022
Do The Lakers Need To Trade Russell Westbrook?
The Lakers have choices when it comes to trading Russ away, but all choices will see them give up both their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. The Utah Jazz have more veterans on offer from their roster, so the Lakers may be able to get more depth if they make a trade with Utah instead of Indiana.
It looks like no trade will happen prior to training camp. This might be the smart move, as the Lakers can improve Russ’s trade value if he has a good start to the season. If Russ is as bad as he was last season, he can’t hurt his value more because it already is in the pits. They don’t need to trade Russ but will probably look at offers for as long as they can.
