Washington Wizards Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: F/C Kristaps Porzingis, F Kyle Kuzma

By contrast, this is a far less popular proposition. With that said, it certainly makes sense.

In fact, it functions very similarly to the previous one. This deal nets the Lakers a rim-protecting, stretch big in Porzingis, and generally improves their floor-spacing.

It also has them reuniting with Kyle Kuzma – in fact, this would be the second time he and Westbrook were involved in the same trade between these teams. With that said, the Washington Wizards had a poor showing in 2021-22 themselves. Could they be ready to move on?

They may not be. The Wizards, after all, just offered Bradley Beal a max extension. Still, they may be better served to retool around him. They could use these picks to eventually land a more suitable co-star for their off-guard.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Los Angeles Lakers & Washington Wizards Updates

On the other hand, the Lakers don’t have the same time for patience. They need to improve their roster ahead of 2022-23 – and this deal helps them do so.