Los Angeles Lakers Dump Russell Westbrook
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Jakob Poeltl, F Doug McDermott, G/F Josh Richardson
San Antonio Spurs Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL)
Still, if the San Antonio Spurs really want to hit rock bottom in 2022-23, they might as well go all the way.
Poeltl isn’t the only valuable veteran on this roster. Doug McDermott is one of the best floor-spacers in the NBA. Josh Richardson is a solid 3-and-D wing with a little playmaking to spare. The Spurs will have no need for either in 2022-23.
The Los Angeles Lakers, on the other hand, could really use all three of these veterans. Furthermore, they have an apparent need to move off of Russell Westbrook. If they can’t find more value for him, this feels like a good return.
One may wonder why the Spurs only receive one first-round pick here. After all, that’s the same trade value we had them getting from the Hornets without including McDermott or Richardson, isn’t it?
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It is not. The pick the Spurs were getting from the Hornets came by way of the Denver Nuggets. The safe money is on it landing well outside of the lottery. On the other hand, who can say where the aging Los Angeles Lakers will be by 2027?