There may not be a team in the NBA that needs to make a trade more than the Los Angeles Lakers. They are in the midst of wasting an MVP-caliber season from Anthony Davis and yet another year of LeBron James’ career because of poor roster management. The team is even getting positive contributions from Russell Westbrook, who has taken well to his new role coming off the bench.
Given how well he has played this season, it is seeming more and more unlikely that the Lakers will make a trade involving Westbrook. They are instead attempting to build a package around Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn with a future first-round pick that has protections on it.
However, there are still some concerns about how well Westbrook can fit alongside James, especially in a playoff setting. With the game slowing down and rotations tightening in the postseason, can Westbrook thrive in the same fashion that he is now alongside James?
That is a legitimate concern, which leaves the door ajar when it comes to a Westbrook trade. Los Angeles cannot rule out anything as a lot can change between now and the trade deadline in February. For example, if an All-Star caliber player becomes available and the Lakers can use Westbrook’s salary to help match money in a deal, they would seriously consider making such a move.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook. Los Angeles Lakers & Miami Heat Updates
Should that kind of trade occur, there is a real chance that Westbrook would hit free agency as a buyout candidate. During the offseason, every trade scenario that the Lakers were involved in with Westbrook ended with him being bought out. Should that be the case, one team has emerged to keep an eye on as his next landing spot; the Miami Heat.
Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report shared that update about the Heat, who are having an uncharacteristically difficult time this season. They are in eighth place in the Eastern Conference with a 15-15 record as they are struggling mightily on the offensive end.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook. Los Angeles Lakers & Miami Heat Updates
The Heat are currently 27th in the NBA in offensive rating, undoing all of the good work they have done defensively, where they are seventh in rating. Westbrook would be a boost in that regard, providing the Heat’s underwhelming second unit with a massive boost and providing insurance in case Kyle Lowry battles injuries again.
