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Los Angeles Lakers rumors: Ranking the rumored targets by likelihood

By Jason Reed

SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 14: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball up court against the Washington Wizards during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on April 14, 2021 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 14: Buddy Hield #24 of the Sacramento Kings dribbles the ball up court against the Washington Wizards during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Golden 1 Center on April 14, 2021 in Sacramento, California. 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 Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers rumors
(Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers rumors /

3. Russell Westbrook

There definitely are a lot of reasons for the Washington Wizards and Los Angeles Lakers to work out a trade for Russell Westbrook. For the Wizards, they should be happy to get something out of Westbrook as they acquired him just to get rid of John Wall’s awful contract (which is the worst in the NBA).

They have to remember what they started with and a team like the Lakers wanting to get Russell Westbrook is a great opportunity. They would get out of the contract, get other assets that are easier to move and be able to move forward.

Westbrook definitely has fallen from grace in recent years and Laker fans might roll their eyes but this is exactly the kind of third star that a team goes after if they are worried about the title window.

There are two problems in the way of this. First is how much money Russell Westbrook is owed. Even though the Lakers can theoretically get to the dollar amount they still would be taking on $44 million this season and $47 million next season.

The other problem is the Wizards. Washington isn’t a title-contender but that does not mean they are going to outright punt on this Bradley Beal-Westbrook pairing. Unless Beal asks out Westbrook likely isn’t going anywhere.

Beal has not requested out yet and I am not sure if that will change. He can make more money via a five-year deal if he sticks it out in Washington and then asks for a trade. If Beal wants out then maybe it happens but that seems unlikely.

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