There were high hopes for the Los Angeles Lakers entering the 2021-22 NBA season. It’s not often a team has the ability to pair a trio of talents like LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook.
The results haven’t quite been there for the Lakers as they are 19-19 on the season. Holding a play-in spot for yet another season would be a truly concerning outcome for Los Angeles considering they are running out of time to contend for championships with LeBron James.
One of the concerns the Lakers face is the lack of success Russell Westbrook has achieved in his role. He has continued to be one of the least efficient high volume offensive players in the NBA while having no shortage of lapses on defense.
It seems as though if Westbrook is unable to be the sole superstar on his team, it’s a challenge for him to meet his value. He has to dominate the ball running tons of high ball screens and getting isolation chances for a team desperate for a player who can attack in those ways.
LATEST NBA NEWS.& TRADE RUMORS: One Perfect Trade Deadline Target For Lakers To Pursue
The Lakers need to be asking themselves if a change is needed ahead of the NBA trade deadline. While the rationale choice usually is to wait to see if the results improve, there are natural limitations to what Westbrook can achieve given the deficiencies in his skill-set.
There are three trades, in particular, the Los Angeles Lakers should pursue involving Russell Westbrook.