The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards last summer.
They did so with the intention of pairing him with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, hoping the trifecta would lead them to a title.
Now, 39 games into the season, LA is 20-19 on the year and everyone’s worst fears about Westbrook have been confirmed: he is a terrible fit on the Lakers.
Understandably, the front office has spoken to two teams about a trade involving him. But how likely is something to happen? An answer emerged this week.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, a Westbrook trade is unlikely. Primarily due to his massive, massive contract.
“All of which explains why sources say the Lakers showed some covert interest in discussing a possible Westbrook trade with rival executives earlier this season,” the report notes.
“A deal appears extremely unlikely before the Feb. 15 trade deadline, if only because his deal that was once seen by so many as untradeable is such a massive obstacle. But inside the Lakers, it seems, there is some recognition that this hasn’t gone as (James and Davis had) planned.”
The Lakers came very close to using Westbrook’s roster slot on another player, but ultimately opted not to.
Now they are paying the price for that decision.
Jusuf Nurkic sends an ominous message to Tyler Herro. https://t.co/Up1bwVyie9
— Game 7 (@game7__) January 6, 2022
If LA is somehow able to unload Westbrook, there is really one potential team it could happen with.
But at the moment, all signs point to nothing getting done.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
