The Los Angeles Lakers are one team in the NBA that almost everyone unanimously believes is going to make a trade in the coming weeks. At 14-21, they desperately need to make a move as they are currently in 13th place in the Western Conference and 3.5 games behind the Golden State Warriors for the final spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament.
Rob Pelinka doesn’t have much to offer assets-wise as they have been offering a package of Patrick Beverley, Kendrick Nunn and a future first-round pick with protections. To the surprise of no one, that isn’t a package garnering much attention.
Before that, the most popular trade candidate on the team was Russell Westbrook. Analysts spent all offseason coming up with mock trades involving Westbrook and his huge contract, and Los Angeles shopped him around to no avail.
Westbrook’s value has gone up during the season as he has been willing to play the role of the sixth man. Not only has he accepted the role change, but Westbrook has also played relatively well coming off the bench, averaging 14.7 points, 6.2 assists, and 7.7 rebounds in 28.1 minutes per game.
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The ball is in Westbrook’s hands more coming off the bench as his minutes are more staggered with LeBron James and he is making the most of it. While there have been reports that the chances of Westbrook being traded are dwindling, if Los Angeles wants any hope of turning things around this season, he will have to be traded.
Attaching one or two of their available future first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to Westbrook can be an attractive trade package for some teams. Who could step up to the plate in a deal centered around him? According to SportsBetting.AG, the New York Knicks are currently the odds-on favorites to land him.
The Knicks are listed at +100 to be Westbrook’s next destination should the Lakers trade him, which basically puts it at a 50/50 proposition that he ends up in the orange and blue. Looking to consolidate their roster, it is a deal that could make some sense for New York to get off of some long-term contracts, such as Evan Fournier.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook, Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers & Utah Jazz Updates
But, given the youth movement that the Knicks are in, a player such as Westbrook doesn’t fit their timeline. Two more teams in youth movements are next on the odds list the Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz.
Indiana’s odds are listed at +300 and have the duo of Buddy Hield and Myles Turner that the Lakers have shown interest in. The Jazz have some veterans remaining from their own firesale, but it is hard to imagine Los Angeles is willing to part with unprotected first-round picks for players such as Mike Conley Jr. and Jordan Clarkson.
