The Russell Westbrook rumors have run rampant this offseason. The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to be looking to trade him… but dealing away his massive contract following a down season is challenging. There were stirrings of a potential deal in the works with the Indiana Pacers. But according to The Athletic's Bob Kravitz, the deal has reportedly run out of steam.
Per source, the Lakers-Pacers trade involving Russell Westbrook, Myles Turner, Buddy Hield and other assets is currently dead. That's not to say the Lakers can't come back and add a second first-round pick to the current package of picks, but for now, things are at a standstill.
The deal would have sent Myles Turner and Buddy Hield along with other pieces to LA. The Lakers have had interest in Buddy Hield for quite some time. Many expected the Lakers to acquire him last year from the Kings. Instead, LA obviously traded for Russell Westbrook.
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The Lakers would have loved to land Hield and Myles Turner in this deal. Their front court would have been solidified with Turner and Anthony Davis.
Kravitz says there is still a chance of a trade should the Lakers be willing to add another first-round pick. But LA is decimated in the draft-pick department given their trades in recent years. However, they may be forced into dealing more picks if they truly want to trade Westbrook.
For now, nothing is set to come to fruition. But expect the Lakers to continue to attempt trading the veteran point guard.
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