The Los Angeles Lakers still need to move on from former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook ahead of their 2022-23 campaign. The outlook looks bleak and may not even be expected at this point, but remains something to monitor.
While they can’t expect a ton of value in return for Westbrook, something is better than nothing. Even if the Lakers take on a less than desirable contract, they will hopefully at least be a player that fits better around the rest of their roster than Westbrook did.
One of the teams that Los Angeles has been engaged with in trade talks is the Indiana Pacers. Indiana is one of the few teams remaining in the NBA with cap space that can absorb Westbrook’s contract without having to match salary exactly.
The Pacers made a run at Deandre Ayton in restricted free agency, signing him to a four-year, $133 million offer sheet that was matched by the Phoenix Suns.
With so much cap space, the Pacers can take on contracts that other teams are looking to move on from, such as Westbrook. The Lakers already made an offer, but the Pacers turned it down.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Updates On Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers & Indiana Pacers
Los Angeles offered Westbrook and a 2027 first-round pick in exchange for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. Indiana is seeking more draft capital in the deal, which the Lakers have been hesitant to agree to.
How could the sides come to a compromise? Here is the best trade that the Lakers can offer the Pacers centered around Westbrook.
