Russell Westbrook
The Los Angeles Lakers took a big risk when they acquired Russell Westbrook, hoping he would help push them closer to an NBA championship with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. That plan backfired, as some people believe acquiring Westbrook is one of the worst trades in NBA history given the path it has put the franchise on.
Los Angeles isn’t close to contending and has no assets to make a quick fix to get out of this hole fast. Any negotiations centered around Westbrook all involved their 2027 first-round pick, which they weren’t willing to trade.
Since Russell Westbrook will be on an expiring contract this offseason, it may be a little easier to move him. The Houston Rockets were connected to him and there has been chatter about the New York Knicks being a fit as well.
Rob Pelinka has to get back something to help upgrade the roster with players that better fit around LeBron James. Sending him to the Rockets, who would work on a buyout, could be the best the Lakers can do. They will likely call the Knicks, who have some veterans such as Evan Fournier, Alec Burks, and Nerlens Noel, that they would like to move to open up some cap space.
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Unless the Lakers are willing to include some draft compensation, there likely isn’t a market for Russell Westbrook. There have been reports that the team is preparing to essentially run things back in the 2022-23 season, which would be a disastrous decision. But, it takes two to tango and it doesn’t sound like anyone is willing to take on Westbrook.
