Houston Rockets Receive: G Russell Westbrook, F Talen Horton-Tucker, 2027 First-Round Pick
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G John Wall, C Christian Wood
Iterations of this deal have been making their way around the internet for some time. This would mark the second time Russell Westbrook and John Wall were exchanged. There’s not much of a historical precedent for that.
This trade definitely upgrades the Los Angeles Lakers’ shooting. John Wall is no sharpshooter, but his career 31.7% accuracy from distance is an upgrade over Westbrook’s unsightly 30.5% mark. Still, the real draw here for the Lakers here is Christian Wood.
He’s one of the best stretch big men in the league. This season, he canned 39% of his long-range attempts. Wood can hit standstill jumpers when defenses collapse on James, and can also create his own looks in a pinch. He’s also a perfect frontcourt partner for Anthony Davis. His spacing allows AD to operate down low, where he’s most effective.
Questions about Wood’s attitude and defense abound. In fairness to the big man, he’s been on the tanking Rockets for two seasons.
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The pecking order in Space City is unclear, and the motivation to defend is minimal. If anyone can reign the undrafted combo big in, it’s probably LeBron James.
Besides, the Lakers are desperate. This trade allows them to move on from Westbrook while acquiring at least one valuable starter in the process. That might be the most they can hope for this pivotal offseason.
