The Los Angeles Lakers have begun righting the ship a little bit in recent weeks. But, despite their improved play, they are still struggling to close out games and get some victories. Right now, they are 11-16 on the season, basically as close to a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference as they are to being in last place.
This team desperately needs to make a trade and infuse some talent into the roster. It is certainly discouraging that Anthony Davis is playing at an MVP level, and the team is still struggling to string wins together.
The one player that has been involved in the most trade talks this season has been Russell Westbrook. After another rocky start to the season, Westbrook has found his footing coming off the bench and leading the second unit. His improved production coming off the bench has changed the franchise’s outlook on making a deal centered around him.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the odds of moving Westbrook are shrinking by the day. Not because of a poor market, but because the team likes how he has been playing recently and believes they are better off riding things out.
“According to a source with knowledge of the Lakers’ plans, Westbrook’s play this past month has made it increasingly unlikely that he will be traded before the league’s Feb. 9 deadline. Since becoming a sixth man on Oct. 28, the 34-year-old, who is in the final year of his (massive) contract, has averaged 15.2 points, 7.9 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 turnovers, and 28.2 minutes. For the sake of perspective, only six players (Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, Ja Morant, Pascal Siakam, Jrue Holiday, and James Harden) have met those 15-7–and-5 marks so far this season. The Lakers have gone 11-12 in that span.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
It will take a little more than flirting with the .500 mark for the Lakers to make a run at the postseason. But the biggest takeaway is how comfortable Westbrook has looked coming off the bench, likely elongating his career in the process.
Just a few months ago, analysts wondered if Westbrook was traded and bought out if there would be a team willing to even take a chance on him. He has not only shown that he is willing to come off the bench but excels at it as well as he is in a group with some excellent players.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If Los Angeles is going to make a trade, they will have to get creative. They lack assets unless they make their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks available. But even if they do, they are adding protections to them, making them a less desirable asset. It is something to keep an eye on as the Lakers cannot afford to waste another year of LeBron James’ career and the season that Davis is having.
