Los Angeles Lakers were close to trading Russell Westbrook in the trade deadline, but the negotiations were reportedly not fruitful with any team.
Now, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report suggests there’s mutual interest in finding a new home for Westbrook. The offseason could provide a ‘greater opportunity’ for a deal to happen.
Russ will be in an expiring contract after the end of the season, provided he picks up his $47 million player option for the 2022-23 season. Westbrook has experienced a disappointing stint with the Lakers this season that included many low points.
Last week, the Lakers’ fans booed their team after a blowout loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. Westbrook was inquired for his reaction after the game.
“Nah,” he told on if he’ll think of the fans’ reaction at home. “Take it home? For what? S***. Take it home? I got three beautiful kids at my house. Why would I take it home? If they boo, they can take their a** home. I ain’t worried about that. It doesn’t bother me none.”
Photo: Alexandros Tsakos/Hedgeout.net
Right now, the Lakers are just 27-34 on the season and are now dealing with the very real risk of falling out of a play-in tournament spot. Westbrook has started all 59 games he has appeared in.
The Lakers have attempted to match Westbrook’s ability with the ball in his hands with the other two superstars, LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Anthony Davis is expected to be out for 3-4 weeks with a foot injury.
After several rumors emerged regarding the future of LeBron James in the organization, the veteran superstar claimed he wants to stay in LA. However, the fit with Westbrook was questionable since the start of the season.
Maybe the Lakers will set out to revamp their roster and build a more fitting team to the needs of LeBron and Anthony Davis in the offseason. Fischer notes that GM Rob Pelinka and head coach Frank Vogel could also be on their way out.
Pelinka seemed reluctant to give up a first-round pick to acquire John Wall and offload Westbrook to the Houston Rockets in the past deadline. Despite the fact that he had many chances to improve a championship team during his stint so far, including the sweepstakes on Kyle Lowry last season, he didn’t do it.
According to Fischer, the Lakers retreated from talks with Toronto to acquire Kyle Lowry last year because they wanted to avoid offering a three-year deal to the veteran guard, while they were also reluctant to part ways with Talen-Horton Tucker.
In any case, the Lakers will have to figure out ways to improve their roster next season. Maybe trading Russell Westbrook will be the start of a chain reaction of changes in the franchise.
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