Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Derrick Favors, F Alekej Pokusevski
Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
If the Los Angeles Lakers are going to convince the Oklahoma City Thunder to take on Russell Westbrook, they’ll have to attach picks. The Thunder have no incentive to make a deal otherwise. They could try to talk them down to one. If they won’t bite, the Lakers may be forced to proceed anyway.
This deal has a higher ceiling and a lower floor for the Lakers. They’ll be hoping the man affectionately known as “Poku” makes good on his potential in their jersey. He’s got tremendous handles, floor vision, and touch for a 7-footer, but his rail-thin frame lends itself to questions.
Questions like “is he an NBA player?”. If the Lakers opt to acquire him over Muscala, consider it a gamble that he’ll prove enough to be included in a deadline deal with a rebuilding team. It’s a gamble. Considering Muscala’s low ceiling, it might be one worth taking.
Of course, they’ll need the Thunder to play ball. Whether they’re willing to will depend on what they’ve seen in their evaluation of Pokusevski. If they’re high enough on his potential, his inclusion might be a deal-breaker.
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Just as the inclusion of two first-round picks might be for the Lakers. Salary dumping Westbrook won’t earn them any accolades in the short term. If the front office deems it necessary, they should give the Thunder a call.
