NBA Rumors: Los Angeles Lakers Have Concerns About Russell Westbrook’s Fit Despite Thriving As Sixth Man

Latest reports already link Russell Westbrook with the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat.

3 Min Read

Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

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

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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Aaron Abhishek is an NBA columnist for Fadeaway World. He graduated from St. Joseph's College with a Bachelor's in Visual Communication and a Master's in journalism.His passion for the sport began when he saw Michael Jordan take his final shot in the NBA, and he considers himself fortunate to have been a part of the Kobe Bryant era. Now he writes basketball news and analysis while waiting for the Los Angeles Lakers to win their 18th title.When not watching and writing basketball, you can find Aaron suited to play cricket, putting in some hard yards at the gym, trying a new coffee, and supporting Arsenal. Expertise: NBAFavorite Team: Los Angeles LakersPrevious Work: MEAWW, Blue Man Hoop, Sportskeeda
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