Would this trade make sense for the Los Angeles Lakers?
It will not be easy for the Los Angeles Lakers to land a favorable return in any trade that involves Russell Westbrook. It would be more about moving on from his contract above all else.
Westbrook has never been much for an efficient player. However, it worsens when he’s not able to have the ball in his hands as a top option with floor spacing. He is a negative in the little areas of basketball that don’t show up in the box score such as off-ball defense, spacing the floor, etc.
Playing in a role where the little things become a greater part of how he meets his value makes the outlook of him meeting his value all the more challenging.
Most of the benefit with moving on from Westbrook is that it recovers the clear focus of the half-court offense around LeBron James and Anthony Davis instead of trying to work in an inefficient ball dominant guard.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Boston Celtics Suggested As Trade Destination For Russell Westbrook
Perhaps Josh Richardson could step in and be a solid contributor, as well as Al Horford as the Los Angeles Lakers move on from DeAndre Jordan. Juancho Hernangomez’s non-guaranteed salary in 2022-23 can be waived to clear cap space, too.
