When the Los Angeles Lakers chose to acquire Russell Westbrook last NBA offseason, many questioned their logic. Conventional wisdom dictates that you surround LeBron James with floor-spacing: Russell Westbrook offers roughly everything but floor spacing.
Still, few anticipated the marriage would go as poorly as it has. Losing home-court playoff seeding would have been one thing, but missing the play-in tournament altogether would have verged on unthinkable heading into this season.
That happens to be exactly where the Lakers stand.
It appears likely that they’ll be searching for a new home for Westbrook this offseason. It may not be easy.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Pacers’ Stance On Myles Turner’s Future Ahead Of Offseason
Russell Westbrook has one of the heftiest contracts in the NBA, and his impact on winning has come into question over the last couple of years.
In order to move on from the divisive point guard, the Lakers may have to attach sweeteners: especially if they’re dealing him to a rebuilding club like the Indiana Pacers.