Chicago Bulls Receive: C Myles Turner, G T.J. McConnell
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: C Nikola Vucevic, G/F Buddy Hield, G Alex Caruso
Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL)
While rostering Westbrook may have been part of the Lakers’ lofty expectations in 2021-22, perhaps those expectations were never realistic.
After all, Westbrook’s impact on winning has come into question in recent years. He still racks up hefty statistics, but recently, it’s felt like it’s to the detriment of his teams instead of their benefit.
Moreover, Westbrook never projected as a good fit alongside LeBron James in even the best-case scenario. For all of Westbrook’s strengths, he struggles to space the floor. Historically, that’s been a prerequisite skill for thriving alongside the ball-dominant James.
However you look at it, the Lakers’ 33-win year was an absolute disaster. They may enter 2022-23 with Westbrook on the roster, but it’s hard to envision a game plan that will make that work.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Nikola Vucevic, Chicago Bulls & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Even if they improve, 33 wins make for a massive hole to climb out of if they hope to meet expectations.
Does this deal bring them closer to being able to achieve that goal?
