Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Tim Hardaway Jr., F Davis Bertans, F Reggie Bullock 

OK, fine: all of them do. 

After all, it’s hard to imagine a path towards the Lakers making meaningful improvements without dealing Westbrook.

As constructed, this roster is made up of Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis, LeBron James – and a whole slew of players on small contracts. Cobbling together four or five players to land one impact veteran would leave the Lakers too short-handed. 

Moreover, if the Lakers want to improve their odds as much as possible ahead of next season, they’ll likely have to move both this first-rounder and their 2029 selection along with Westbrook. On the other hand, if they’re a bit squeamish about parting with both future assets, this deal may suit both sides. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers & Dallas Mavericks Updates

After all, the Dallas Mavericks are flipping two long-term, potentially negative contracts here to land Westbrook’s expiring deal. Perhaps they’ll use Westbrook as a secondary playmaker behind Doncic, and perhaps they won’t. Either way, this deal improves their short-term flexibility. 

As for the Lakers, it improves their spacing. That’s the goal for all of these deals, and it should be the Lakers’ goal ahead of 2022-23 as well.