Are Lakers, Rockets Primed For Wall-Westbrook Trade 2.0?

Russell Westbrook, John Wall, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Trade Rumors
NBA Analysis Network

Everyone is patiently waiting to see what the Los Angeles Lakers do ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline. They do not look like a contending team right now, as they are 23-24 on the season and in eighth place in the Western Conference.

Rob Pelinka and the front office took a chance on acquiring Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards in the offseason but the move has not panned out as hoped. Westbrook has had some good statistical games, but his lack of floor spacing, untimely turnovers and poor performance defensively have outweighed any positives he brought to the table.

Experiencing some buyer’s remorse, the Lakers have been having discussions about possibly trading him. Accomplishing that feat is easier said than done.

Westbrook is owed a ton of money the remainder of this season and next. A $47 million contract for the 2022-23 season is not something many teams can, let alone are willing, to bring on. As a result, Westbrook’s market has been as cold as expected.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Rockets Would Require This Major Asset For Wall-Westbrook Trade

However, there is one team that is emerging as a potential landing spot; the Houston Rockets. The Houston Rockets acquired Westbrook from the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2019. He lasted one season in Houston before he was traded to the Wizards in exchange for John Wall. Could we see Westbrook and Wall swapped for each other again?

According to Marc Stein on his Substack, which a paid subscription is needed to view, the Houston Rockets would be open to acquiring Russell Westbrook again. However, it would have to be on Houston’s terms.

I’ve since learned that the Rockets — while indeed holding no interest in having Westbrook play for them again — actually would be amenable to another Westbrook-for-Wall swap if the Lakers incentivized the trade with sufficient draft compensation.

What the Houston Rockets are seeking would be the Lakers’ 2027 first-round pick. Should that be made available, Houston would have plenty of interest in making a deal with the Los Angeles Lakers that involves Russell Westbrook and John Wall swapping teams.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Rockets Would Require This Major Asset For Wall-Westbrook Trade

Stein added that this isn’t a scenario likely to materialize before the deadline on February 10th. Alas, things could change between now and then, especially if the Lakers get desperate enough to make a deal.

Given how poorly Russell Westbrook has meshed with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Los Angeles Lakers may be willing to try anything. Including their 2027 first-round pick would be a steep price to pay to move off from Westbrook, especially when they are acquiring only a single player in return in Wall.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Rockets Would Require This Major Asset For Wall-Westbrook Trade

Odd things have occurred ahead of the deadline in the NBA before, but seeing two players swapped for each other a second time in just over a year would certainly be unprecedented.

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