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Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers have had a disappointing season, which has made him a trade candidate. Westbrook's fit with the Lakers roster has not been seamless, and a trade makes sense for both sides.
Los Angeles is in danger of falling out of the play-in tournament, with the San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans fighting for the last two spots.
Westbrook is averaging 18.2 points per game, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.1 assists this season. He is shooting 44 percent from the field and 29.4 percent from three. These numbers are down from a typical year for Westbrook, but he has improved over the last six games.
Russell Westbrook last 5 games
21.8 PPG 7.8 RPG 7.8 APG
54.3% FG 37.5% 3PCan’t wait till he goes to a team that’s a better fit next szn
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) March 30, 2022
While he is improving, his fit is still in question with the team. The blame should not solely fall on him, but it is beneficial for both sides to move on.
With that said, here are the two best Russell Westbrook trades for LeBron-led, ranked.
2 Russell Westbrook trades Lakers Can Make
1. Lakers trade: Russell Westbrook, 2027 first-round pick, and 2029 first-round pick
Pistons trade: Jerami Grant and Kelly Olynyk
It will be hard to find a trade partner for Westbrook due to his $47 million player option for next season. The Detroit Pistons could be an option, as they are in the midst of a rebuild. Getting more draft capital would be beneficial to acquiring more young talent.
With Westbrook being on an expiring deal, it is a worthwhile deal for the Pistons.
For the Lakers, they get a third star in Jerami Grant, who compliments LeBron James and Anthony Davis well. Kelly Olynyk would also be a good floor spacer for Los Angeles off the bench.
Grant's two-way play would improve the Lakers on both ends of the floor. This season, Grant is averaging 19.2 points while shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from three.
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If Los Angeles can pull this off, it would help them get back to the Finals.
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0SSn0BoMA9iXWwwHeQpYKh?si=b6d7bb1e40e94a9f
2. Lakers trade: Russell Westbrook and 2027 first-round pick
Knicks trade: Evan Fournier, Alec Burks, and Nerlens Noel
A lack of depth has been a weakness for the Lakers this season. When LeBron or Davis have been out, it has been difficult for the supporting cast to compete. This deal would give the Lakers three quality role players to put around the superstar duo.
It would give Los Angeles a more similar roster to what they had in the 2019-20 championship season. For the New York Knicks, they receive a star who could fit well with the roster. New York doesn't have a real direction for their team, which makes acquiring an expiring contract and a draft pick worthwhile.
Fournier, Burks, and Noel aren't a key component to the Knicks roster and could be dealt.
These three players would be excellent fits for the Lakers. Fournier is a great scorer and could make an impact in the starting lineup or off the bench. Burks is a three and d wing that would provide much-needed versatility. Noel would be a solid rebounder and rim protector off the bench for Los Angeles.
While this trade doesn't give the Lakers a third star, it vastly improves their depth. It also gives them the flexibility to pursue more depth via free agency or in another trade.
The Westbrook experiment with Los Angeles has not panned out, and it's time for them to cut their losses. Either of these Westbrook trades would get the Lakers closer to reaching the NBA Finals once again.
