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Lakers Rumors: Pros and Cons of Trading for Russell Westbrook

By Cody Williams

Feb 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) dunks the ball against the New Orleans Pelicans during the third quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 8, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) looks on from the court during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) looks on from the court during the first half against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

So Where Does That Leave Us?

Looking at all of these pros and cons of this situation and the many more that I’m sure people will come up with, the question is ultimately where that leaves the Lakers in regards to a possible trade for Westbrook. Should they do it? Should they wait until the trade deadline? Should they give the Thunder a firm no and move on with the young core?

There are obviously varying opinions on the matter given the complexity of the situation on so many different levels. Some people have more faith in the Lakers being able to retain Westbrook if they were to trade him than others, some people are less bullish on Russell and are more willing to let him go, and some people are petrified by the thought of giving up major pieces for the future with the risk of winding up back at square one being a viable possibility.

Quite frankly, all of these schools of thought are respectable in their own right and have their own merits.

Next: Why the Russell Westbrook Trade Shouldn't Happen

But when you consider what the Lakers did this offseason in signing veterans to long-term deals in addition to Jim Buss’ delusions of grandeur amidst the current state of affairs in Los Angeles, you have to believe that they are giving serious consideration about acquiescing to the Thunder’s request and sending a big part of the current roster’s future to OKC for Westbrook. And for my money, regardless of if it’s the right move, I think the Lakers make the deal if it’s actually on the table.

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