L.A. Lakers Seeking To Trade Russell Westbrook At The Conclusion Of The Year

By Jordan Long

The L.A. Lakers are 27-34, 9^th in the Western Conference, good enough to be in the play-in tournament.  The Lakers, though, are looking at trading point guard Russell Westbrook during the offseason.

                The Lakers agreed to a deal with the Washington Wizards to acquire Westbrook on July 29^th, 2021.  The idea was to create a “superstar” team to add to Anthony Davis and Lebron James.  The Lakers were hoping this experiment would lift them to be title contenders.

                Unfortunately, it has done the opposite.  Westbrook hasn’t gelled with the team.  He is scoring but his numbers are down from last year.  Right now, Westbrook is averaging 18.1 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.  Those are a drop from last season when he averaged 22.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game for the Washington Wizards.   

        The Lakers had a chance to trade Westbrook at the deadline which was on February 10^th.  They received calls for him but the Lakers decided to keep him, anticipating the Lakers season would turn around with him.  It hasn’t.  Instead of being a top 6 team, they most likely will fight for their playoff lives in the play-in tournament.  If they don’t advance, their season will be over.  This year has been a failure because they aren’t title contenders.  They will be lucky to even advance to the first round. 

                The Lakers are most likely going to trade Westbrook during the offseason.  They have expressed that.  Teams might lineup for Westbrook because he is a “superstar” who can pass the basketball to his teammates for high percentage shots, rebound for second chance opportunities, and of course make baskets.  On defense, he can steal the basketball and rebound the ball which could start fast breaks for his team.

                The tricky part about a Westbrook trade is his salary.  He is going to earn around $47 million next year, a lot for a team to take on.  This may not be worth it for one year unless a long-term deal is struck with his new franchise.  The Lakers will figure out what the best deal is for their franchise.  Westbrook almost certainly is going to be on another team for the start of next year.