The Los Angeles Lakers are a team that is likely to be active ahead of the trade deadline, and it is quite likely that they will make some moves to further improve the roster beyond acquiring Rui Hachimura.
- The Spurs Trade Offer Is Risky Due To Contract Situations
- Russell Westbrook Would Be Better On The Lakers Than D’Angelo Russell
- The Heat Trade Offer Would Help Them A Lot More Than The Lakers
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A player frequently featured in trade rumors is point guard Russell Westbrook. There have been some reports that have indicated that the Lakers are still exploring trades that would involve Westbrook, and it is clear that there is a possibility that he will not be on the roster past the deadline.
However, the Los Angeles Lakers shouldn’t just accept any offer for Russell Westbrook. He is the leading candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award, and can still help the team win immediately. Here are 3 Russell Westbrook trades that the Lakers would refuse if offered.
The Spurs Trade Offer Is Risky Due To Contract Situations
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Doug McDermott, Josh Richardson, Jakob Poeltl
San Antonio Spurs Receive: Russell Westbrook
The San Antonio Spurs are a team seeking to bottom out and try to get a top-tier prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft, which will feature elite players such as Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson. It makes sense for them to consolidate all their veterans in the Russell Westbrook trade and clear up even more time for the young players on their roster, such as Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson.
Though this trade makes sense for the Spurs, from the Lakers’ perspective, this is an absolutely risky trade. None of those players necessarily move the needle in terms of winning a championship, even though they are all solid role players. Josh Richardson and Jakob Poeltl are both on expiring contracts as well and would be a flight risk in free agency. Obviously, there’s a chance that the Lakers would be able to retain both Richardson and Poeltl, but the cap space could end up being a more valuable asset at the end of the season.
From a basketball perspective, this deal also has complications. The Lakers don’t necessarily need another big man like Jakob Poeltl because they already have Anthony Davis, Thomas Bryant, Rui Hachimura, and LeBron James, who can play the C or PF positions. Doug McDermott would play the SG position, where the Lakers already have Lonnie Walker IV, Patrick Beverley, and Austin Reaves. The only player realistically who would be a “for sure” upgrade at the SF is Josh Richardson, and it is not worth it to move Westbrook for an upgrade at 1 position.
Though this deal with the Spurs nets the Lakers some solid players, it is clear that there are better deals out there involving Russell Westbrook that gives the Lakers a better chance of winning a championship.
Russell Westbrook Would Be Better On The Lakers Than D’Angelo Russell
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: D’Angelo Russell, Kyle Anderson
Minnesota Timberwolves Receive: Russell Westbrook
From the Minnesota Timberwolves’ stance, this trade would be about getting an experienced veteran like Russell Westbrook in the locker room. They are still a relatively young team and need a player to teach them how to win at the highest level. During the 2021-22 season, that player was Patrick Beverley, and perhaps Russell Westbrook could do that for them as well. He would have respect in the locker room due to his accomplishments in the game: he’s been to the Finals as a starting PG, won an MVP award, and has a lot of experience in the playoffs. In theory, Westbrook would be the perfect leader for the Timberwolves.
For the Los Angeles Lakers, though, this trade doesn’t make them substantially better. D’Angelo Russell is a great offensive player, but he isn’t necessarily an upgrade on Russell Westbrook. We have seen Russell Westbrook have a huge impact with his energy in a bench role this season, providing, slashing, rebounding, and playmaking. D’Angelo Russell would give the team more shooting and shot creation, but that wouldn’t necessarily be more impactful for the team than what Westbrook brings. Also, D’Angelo
Kyle Anderson is a solid role player, but the Los Angeles Lakers already have players at his position that can shoot and defend, such as Troy Brown Jr., and there is less of a need for his skill set on the team.
Overall, this trade wouldn’t necessarily be a move that pushes the Los Angeles Lakers forward to being a top-tier team in the Western Conference. There are definitely better moves available, especially if the Lakers attach a future first-round pick.
The Heat Trade Offer Would Help Them A Lot More Than The Lakers
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: Kyle Lowry, Duncan Robinson
Miami Heat Receive: Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
This deal for the Miami Heat would have multiple purposes. They would get a dynamic player in Russell Westbrook at their point guard position. Westbrook’s ability to do a little bit of everything would definitely help the Heat’s offense from stagnating, and he would make life easier for Tyler Herro and Bam Adebayo with his playmaking. On top of this, this trade would let them move off the big-money contracts of Kyle Lowry and Duncan Robinson.
However, this trade wouldn’t make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers. Kyle Lowry is arguably worse than Russell Westbrook right now, and Duncan Robinson has fallen out of the Miami Heat rotation. Though there is a chance that they could end up as good fits on the Lakers, that is far too much of a gamble for the team to take as of right now. Taking on Duncan Robinson and Kyle Lowry’s contracts would be a poor choice as well, as they would prevent the Los Angeles Lakers from having a lot of cap space during this upcoming free agency and the one after that.
The Miami Heat deal is clearly one that focuses on fit over talent. Though that can be a good choice at times, in this scenario, this would be too much of a gamble for the Los Angeles Lakers when they need a surefire trade that makes them a championship-level team.
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