Every offseason, the Los Angeles Lakers are linked with several stars. However, not every player named in the same breath as the purple and gold can make their way to Staples Center.
Although they’ve been linked with big names like Damian Lillard, DeMar DeRozan, Kyle Lowry, Bradley Beal, and more, it’s hard to see all these players teaming up in L.A. this upcoming season.
Yet, every day we learn more about the possible moves the Lakers could make this offseason. The 2020 NBA champions want to recover their throne, and they’re reportedly trying to make a big move this summer to land a third star. LeBron James and Anthony Davis struggled with injuries last season, leaving their teammates helpless in crucial moments.
According to Matt Moore of Action Network, the 17x NBA champions are close to getting a deal done with the Washington Wizards. In recent days, reports saw the light suggesting they engaged in trade talks with the capital team for a Russell Westbrook trade.
Some league insiders did bring up a more complicated framework. As a preface, this is speculative based on what executives familiar with the situation have said. The Sixers want Bradley Beal, who is at least considering requesting a trade from the Wizards.
The Wizards, multiple sources have said, are aligning toward a full rebuild should Beal ask out. It’s not a coincidence that Bleacher Report reported that there have been preliminary talks between the Lakers and Wizards about a deal for Russell Westbrook, a deal that league sources said was increasingly likely as of Sunday night.
Some people can say landing Russ wouldn’t help the Lakers that much. He’s not a floor-spacing player, he’s not a shooter, and that’s not what this team needs right now. Russ, however, has demonstrated he can be good wherever he’s played.
The 2017 NBA MVP can definitely be that third scorer for the Lakers, creating a Big 3 in Los Angeles. The Lakers’ front office still has questions to answer regarding their role players, but if they land Brodie, their job will get a lot easier.
Westbrook took the Wizards to the 2021 playoff last season, getting eliminated by the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round. It’s time to compete for a title now, and the Lakers appear to be an excellent option for the point guard.
