The Los Angeles Lakers were one of the seemingly few teams that were quiet at the NBA trade deadline. That's despite the current state of the team, not physically, but emotionally. With all of the talk of Russell Westbrook not fitting this constructed roster, amid the Lakers struggles, many believe Westbrook would be dealt.

He was not. But apparently, it wasn't for a lack of trying. But there is some irony here. The Athletic's Sam Amick detailed how Los Angeles had ‘covertly' attempted to trade Westbrook to the Sacramento Kings early on this season in exchange for Buddy Hield.

Prior to this NBA season, there were reports that the Lakers and the Kings were close to finalizing a deal that would have sent Hield to Los Angeles. However, the Lakers ended up instead trading for Westbrook, who was with the Washington Wizards at the time.

That left Sacramento pissed off. Yet, early on this season the Lakers had begun discussions again about acquiring Hield, this time for Westbrook. Obviously, that deal never came to fruition.

Hield ended up being dealt to the Indiana Pacers at the trade deadline in a blockbuster. Sacramento acquired the services of two-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis, Jeremy Lamb and Justin Holiday for Hield, Tyrese Haliburton and Tristan Thompson.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are floundering. They have lost seven of their last 10 and are 26-30 on the season. They sit ninth in the Western Conference. If the season ended today, the Lakers would just qualify for the Play In Tournament and would play the Los Angeles Clippers.