How This Trade Impacts Los Angeles Lakers

If the Los Angeles Lakers can hit the reset button on a Russell Westbrook deal, this is a trade that they would be very interested in making. There are undoubtedly some risks in making this deal as well, but it would be worthwhile for Los Angeles.

Without Westbrook, the team doesn’t have a true starting point guard. LeVert is a good playmaker and could do some initiating of the offense. LeBron James could also handle point guard duties as he did during the team’s Championship run in 2020.

The injury history with LeVert is concerning. Los Angeles is already dealing with numerous injuries to rotation players, they cannot afford to bring on another that may miss a large chunk of the season. LeVert is currently recovering from a stress reaction in his lower back.

But, at 27-years old. LeVert would provide the Lakers with some youthfulness they are lacking. He could be a foundational piece going forward. The same could be said about Myles Turner, who is only 25.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS This Lakers-Grizzlies Trade Is Focused On Dillon Brooks

Turner is an elite defender when it comes to protecting the rim. Teams would find it frustrating trying to score on him and Anthony Davis around the basket.

Turner would also allow Davis to play power forward for a majority of his minutes, which he prefers. His acquisition would also push DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard further down the pecking order, which might not be the worst thing.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS This Lakers-Grizzlies Trade Is Focused On Dillon Brooks

Adding this kind of impact depth is what Rob Pelinka should be looking to accomplish should the team decide they have to part ways with Westbrook.