Los Angeles Lakers: 3 bold predictions for Russell Westbrook

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 10: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with media during a press conference at Staples Center on August 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 10: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with media during a press conference at Staples Center on August 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers Russell Westbrook
(Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers Russell Westbrook

The Los Angeles Lakers made the biggest move of the offseason by trading Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrezl Harrell and the 22nd overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft in exchange for Russell Westbrook.

It was a move that had some desperation in it as the Lakers are looking to capitalize on a shrinking title window with LeBron James. That does not mean that the move is destined to fail, but you don’t make this trade if you are assured that you can win a title in the next year or two with things as is.

Rob Pelinka pushed all of his chips into the middle of the pile with this Westbrook trade. If it does not work out then there is potential for another extreme dry spell, especially if Anthony Davis decides that his long-term home is not LA for some reason.

This first year of Russell Westbrook on the Los Angeles Lakers is huge for the team and they have to hope that he not only plays well, but fits into the system and accepts his role.

We have three bold predictions for Russell Westbrook in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

There are a lot of people who are expecting this to fail and there are some that might be getting too excited by expecting MVP Russell Westbrook. The truth is that the reality will likely lie somewhere in the middle.

Here are our three bold predictions for Russell Westbrook in his first season with the Los Angeles Lakers.