The Lakers trade Russell Westbrook and are thinking of bringing in a five-time NBA all-star
Last year, the Los Angeles Lakers performed horribly. They failed to make the playoffs as a result of their off-season decision to combine Russell Westbrook with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. However, the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook away and were on the verge of signing a five-time All-Star to play with Bron and AD before this decision was made.
DeMar DeRozan was frequently mentioned in connection with the rumour of the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook away. He grew up in California and aspired to join the Lakers. At the time, DeRozan played for the San Antonio Spurs, who were open to trade him.
Rumours of The Lakers trade Russell Westbrook surfaced on Internet
The Lakers continue to have a -3.4 net rating when Westbrook is on the court as a sixth player, as Amick points out, so his performance off the bench is not an antidote, but it lessens the urgency of attempting to move him away.
Expect the Lakers to make a move since they are very aggressive buyers at the trade deadline. They’re just anticipating it to be a shooter to support the current rotation rather than a blockbuster that catapults the Lakers to the top of the West.
The Lakers are more likely to exchange Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn, and a protected first-round pick for a player who can immediately improve their rotation, preferably a shooter. If the proper offer came around (Nikola Vucevic and DeMar DeRozan from the Bulls, but even with a few first-round selections it’s difficult to understand why the Bulls would make that move), the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook. What has changed is that there is less of a need to find a trade.
