The Los Angeles Lakers got their third star in Russell Westbrook to form their Big Three with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Los Angeles acquired the former league MVP from the Washington Wizards while shipping over Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell, and Kyle Kuzma to the Capital City.
Prior to the blockbuster deal's completion, there were reportedly other stars who were on the Lakers' radar this offseason. However, taking in Westbrook's massive $44.2 million salary this 2021-22 season (and $47 million for the next) effectively shut the door on those other rumored deals. Here are three trades that Russell Westbrook's arrival prevented for the Lakers.
1. Kevin Love trade
One of Los Angeles's rumored targets was LeBron James' former All-Star teammate with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kevin Love. The acquisition of the five-time All-Star made sense for the Lakers. They ideally need more floor spacing for James to operate; Love would also be an ideal fit next to Anthony Davis in the frontcourt.
Love is obviously no longer the All-NBA forward he was with the Minnesota Timberwolves, nor even is he the same player who helped LeBron James win a championship for Cleveland in 2016. Nonetheless, he could have still brought a veteran presence with championship experience to a Laker team that is looking to win another NBA title. Moreover, his experience of playing with The King would have definitely been an advantage.
His past few campaigns with the Cavs may suggest that he's washed, but Love seems pretty motivated to prove that he still has a lot left in the tank. Perhaps playing for a team with championship aspirations would have given him back the pep in his step.
2. DeMar DeRozan trade
Aside from Russell Westbrook, the Lakers also had their sights set on another hometown boy, DeMar DeRozan. Before Brodie's acquisition, the DeRozan homecoming definitely became a hot rumor around the Association. To bring in the Compton, California native, the Lakers would have taken him via a sign-and-trade, while shipping Kyle Kuzma to the San Antonio Spurs.
The four-time All-Star would have given the Lakers another elite playmaker and shot creator next to James. DeRozan has shown great improvement in several aspects of his game. We all know he can score with the best of them and do so with excellent efficiency, having shot 50.1 percent from the field in three seasons in San Antonio. Most recently, his playmaking took another stride forward this past 2020-21 season with the Spurs, when he averaged a career-best 6.9 assists under Gregg Popovich's watch.
There were rumors that the 32-year old DeRozan would have signed for less in exchange for an opportunity to play for the team he grew up admiring. Likewise, his arrival could have also brought Kyle Lowry to Los Angeles and orchestrated a reunion of the former Toronto Raptors buddies.
3. Buddy Hield trade
Buddy Hield has been one of Los Angeles's trade targets for quite a while. In fact, prior to the Westbrook deal going down, there were reports that the Lakers and the Sacramento Kings were engaged in talks that would have sent the 28-year old to Los Angeles. In return, the Lakers probably would have sent a package centered around Kyle Kuzma to Sactown.
Based on the Lakers' need for shooters around LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Hield definitely made a ton of sense, being one of the top marksmen in the NBA. However, recent rumors claim that James wanted the triple-double machine Westbrook over the career 43.5 percent 3-point shooter Hield. Buddy Buckets would have been deadly playing alongside James as one of the most elite catch-and-shoot and corner 3-point specialists in the NBA.
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