The Los Angeles Lakers had high hopes when they acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards. They had just created the newest Big 3 in the NBA, already having LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the team.
It was a move many people criticized and with good reason. Westbrook has never been third fiddle at any point in his NBA career. Would he buy-in and fit alongside two more players that need the ball in their hands?
Thus far, the results have been mixed, at best. The Lakers have been playing better as of late, as Westbrook has continued the trend of starting slow and picking up steam as the season moves along.
Los Angeles currently has a record of 15-13, as they sit in sixth place in the Western Conference, out of the NBA Play-In Tournament. Any team with James cannot be written off, but this current Lakers roster does not have the look or feel of a true contender.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Aggressively Target Russell Westbrook Trade
While Westbrook has been at the center of that attention and ridicule, it has been Davis that has fallen woefully short of expectations. He is in the midst of one of the worst shooting seasons the NBA has ever seen, as he’d struggle to hit the broad side of a barn with his jumper this season.
Alas, Davis isn’t going anywhere. At 28-years old, he is the future of the franchise after the front office unloaded their treasure trove of assets to acquire him from the New Orleans Pelicans. If anyone is going to be moved from the Big 3 it is Westbrook, and there have reportedly already been discussions.
According to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report, the Los Angeles Lakers have ‘held internal discussions on trade scenarios for Russell Westbrook.’ Their options are very limited, as teams aren’t lining up to acquire someone who is owed $91 million through 2023 should he pick up his player option. It would be shocking at this point if he didn’t.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 3 Teams Who Should Aggressively Target Russell Westbrook Trade
The teams that could build a package to acquire Westbrook, such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers and Houston Rockets, would have little to zero interest in doing so.
Without the draft capital to sweeten the deal, it is hard to envision Westbrook being traded before the February 10th deadline. It would be easier to get a deal done in the offseason when more teams may be in the running, but Rob Pelinka’s phone likely isn’t ringing off the hook with offers for Westbrook.
