Miami Heat Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2023 Second Round Pick (CHI)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Kyle Lowry, G/F Duncan Robinson

They say a perfect compromise leaves both sides dissatisfied. If that’s true, consider this trade a perfect compromise.

The Miami Heat are doing something most NBA teams are likely to avoid doing in 2022: acquiring Russell Westbrook. His leaguewide perception has plummeted over the last two seasons. His penchant for launching three-pointers in spite of his horrendous accuracy has drawn the ire of coaches and fans alike.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are giving up a first-round pick only to acquire an aging Lowry and an overpaid Robinson. It’s hard to look at this deal and figure it will make the Lakers contenders in 2022-23 unless everything goes right for them.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lakers Unwilling To Use Assets To Trade Russell Westbrook

At the same time, they have to do something. Their 2021-22 was simply too poor to trot out the same group with a new head coach.

The Lakers would have to accept this package if nothing more appealing was on the table. Would the Heat?