Los Angeles Lakers: 2 reasons why a Russell Westbrook trade isn’t absurd

2. The Los Angeles Lakers do not have many options this offseason

Most teams would not trade for Russell Westbrook because his salary is so high and it is a pretty big figure to hold on the salary cap. So why would the Los Angeles Lakers? Simple, they do not have many options this offseason and this provides an option.

There are other options out there, such as a similar deal for Mike Conley or Kyle Lowry, both of which are free agents and could theoretically force their way to LA if they so choose. If the Lakers strike out on those guys, though, a move for Westbrook could be in the cards.

Would it be a great move? Honestly, I am not the biggest Westbrook fan, especially on this Lakers team. But with the team’s situation and the limited possibilities to improve, I would not hate the move.

The Lakers are restricted financially and the one way to add another big contract is to utilize Schroder in a sign-and-trade deal. Coupling this with Kuzma, who is more than tradeable, and Harrell, who was not even in the rotation to start the playoffs, creates a situation where the Lakers can get something out of nothing.

The team would have to rely on veteran minimum contracts and hope that Talen Horton-Tucker does not get too big of an offer from another team. They still could fill out a complete roster that has three stars, some solid role players and veteran depth.

The Lakers are looking to improve the team and they do not have much time to win another championship. Championship windows are short in the NBA, especially when your superstar is 36 years old.

For that reason, it is not absurd to think that the Los Angeles Lakers could take the extremely big risk of adding Russell Westbrook this offseason.