Lake Show Life
Fansided

4 Ways Russell Westbrook could help the Los Angeles Lakers

By Jonathan Kiernan

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 06: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets drives the ball against LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 06, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 06: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets drives the ball against LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the fourth quarter in Game Two of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 06, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 7
Next
(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Bill Baptist/NBAE via Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Trade Scenario

A potentially ideal trade scenario for both sides.

The Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James especially need help.

Fans of the purple and gold cannot expect LeBron James to have another season like he just had less than 80 days after his season has ended.

The Lakers are running the risk of LeBron getting injured and for fans of the purple and gold and fans of the NBA in general, that is not something that anyone wants to see happening.

If LeBron can get help in the form of a former MVP in Russell Westbrook, then the Lakers should do it.

Yes, it involves the Los Angeles Lakers sending a number of pieces away but realistically, the only piece that is currently an asset for the Los Angeles Lakers is Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and maybe Danny Green.

KCP has recently opted-out of his player option for the 2020-21 season making him a free agent. While this could spell disaster for the purple and gold wishing to make a blockbuster trade like this, it could also be a blessing in disguise.

KCP and his management have made it quite clear that Caldwell-Pope is looking for a pay raise. Why not send him to the Rockets via a sign and trade and allow KCP to get paid in the process.

This trade should also be considered music to the Houston Rockets ears also.

With Danny Green, JaVale McGee, and Quinn Cook all free agents at the end of the 2020-21 NBA season, this allows for Houston to shed Westbrooks $132,633,438 over the next 3 seasons.

For Houston’s frugal owner Tilman Fertita, this is like a gift from god.

He gets to clear over $100m in salary and only has to take on KCP’s contract which at most will be $14m per year for 3 years, a more than ok some compared to Westbrooks vast contract.

The Lakers get their 3rd stars with a contract timeline line perfectly up with LeBron James.

The Lakers could have Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Russell Westbrook for the next 3 years competing for rings.

So how could Russell Westbrook help the Los Angeles Lakers?

Here are 4 ways he would be an asset for the purple and gold.

Home/Lakers News