The Los Angeles Lakers are once again on a downward spiral of late, losing their last four games of late by an average margin of defeat of almost 20 points.

As with any struggling situation, there have been whispers to shake things up one way or another. With the Lakers' options fairly limited, former player turned ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins thinks trading Russell Westbrook is the logical move.

Via First Take:

“You know Anthony Davis is not going anywhere; he has a no-trade clause. We know LeBron James is not going anywhere. The person that they probably could move or should move is Russell Westbrook,” said Kendrick Perkins on what the Lakers should do. “I don't know if it's going to happen because of his contract.”

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Sensationalist take for viewership or a valid argument? The Lakers have a huge chunk of their cap devoted to their top three players. As Perk said, there's basically zero chance they trade either LeBron James or Anthony Davis. If a big move were to be made, Russell Westbrook is likely to be the man involved.

On the one hand, it's still relatively early on in a season that's been nothing but abnormal. Pressing the panic button when just two months of basketball have been played seems quite reactionary.

But on the other hand, the Lakers have had the easiest schedule in the NBA through Christmas eve and have the toughest coming afterwards. They've limped to a 16-17 record despite the supposedly easy pickings.

It's a test of patience in LA as the calendar year turns.