Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G John Wall, C Christian Wood
Houston Rockets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, F Talen Horton-Tucker, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
This deal finds the Los Angeles Lakers killing two birds with one stone. No, that was not intended to be a pun, although Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone would need to sign off on this deal.
If he’s willing to, the Lakers would have to consider it. Not only are they adding a value player in exchange for their best trade assets in Christian Wood, but they’re getting off of Westbrook’s contract as well. Swapping the two handsomely paid veteran point guards isn’t actually necessary to this swap, but it’s hard to imagine why either side would turn it down.
The Rockets, in all likelihood, would either buy Westbrook out or sit him for the year. Basically, they’d just continue along whichever path they’d chosen with Wall. As for the Lakers, they should prefer him to Westbrook. While Wall may not be as prolific a stat padder as his counterpart, he’s a slightly better floor spacer, team defender, and floor general.
Still, Wood is the main draw for the Lakers here. Pairing him with Davis in the frontcourt would dramatically improve this team’s spacing.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: NBA Insider Reveals Surprising Lakers Russell Westbrook Trade Suitor
Wood is interchangeable at the 4 and 5, much like Davis. The duo would make for modernized twin towers, with Wood drawing the defense out to the perimeter, and Davis protecting the rim on the other end.
A trade with the Rockets doesn’t solve all the Lakers’ problems. A solution that does so may not be achievable as they’re currently constructed.
