By now, we’re sure you’ve heard some version of this story. Allow us to retell it as briefly as possible: The Los Angeles Lakers had a really bad 2021-22 NBA season.
They need to make changes. Specifically, they need to trade Russell Westbrook, because he can’t co-exist with LeBron James.
If any of this is news to you, you’ve developed an odd habit of reading about subjects you have no interest in.
Moreover, most expect the Lakers to forfeit a first-round pick alongside Westbrook if not two. After all, he’s got very little trade value in 2022.
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Of course, that’s a risky proposition for the Lakers: the only picks they have available convey in 2027 and 2029. There is simply no telling where the organization will be at that point.
What if there was a trade that allowed them to (mostly) retain that draft capital?