Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Damian Lillard, G Evan Fournier, C Nerlens Noel, G Kemba Walker, F Taj Gibson
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: C/F Anthony Davis
New York Knicks Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First Round Pick, 2023 Second Round Pick (via CHI)
There’s a lot to unpack here…
The Los Angeles Lakers would be ending the Russell Westbrook experience and upgrading at the point guard position by acquiring Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers.
It wouldn’t be the Trail Blazers that take on Westbrook’s contract, however. It would be the New York Knicks as they get a one-year trial while he’s on an expiring contract to see if they want to continue the relationship in 2023-24.
In order for the Lakers to take back enough salary for Westbrook’s contract, they would take back Evan Fournier, Nerlens Noel, Kemba Walker, and Taj Gibson while sending out a 2027 first-round pick.
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In order to land a talent like Lillard, it will require parting with one of the league’s better players in Anthony Davis. Portland would then have an intriguing one-two punch with Anfernee Simons and Davis to build around.
Let’s dive into whether this trade makes sense for all parties involved beginning with the perspective of the Portland Trail Blazers.
