Lakers: The only way to trade Russell Westbrook and why it won’t happen
By Jason Reed
The Los Angeles Lakers made a bold move in the offseason by trading for Russell Westbrook and to say it has not worked out thus far is an understatement. While the Lakers currently have a winning record despite several injuries, Westbrook has been downright bad in the purple and gold.
The counting stats seem fine as the former MVP is averaging 19.3 points, 9.1 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game, but his play is much worse than that. He is shooting 41.6% from the field, 28% from beyond the arc and is averaging 5.3 turnovers per game.
Westbrook has the 11th-worst Total Points Added (per NBA Math) among the 113 players in the league with at least 300 minutes played. He has been awful offensively and defensively he has never bene great.
Some fans might already be thinking about a potential Russell Westbrook trade for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Teams led by LeBron James have been known to pivot at midseason if something is not working. Just look how the team treated Isaiah Thomas. This is not the same situation as Thomas, though,and the Lakers really only have one potential out in pivoting off Russell Westbrook.
Trading for John Wall.
The Rockets are looking to trade Wall, who might end up sitting out the entire season as there are no suitors for the veteran point guard. This is the only trade that even remotely makes sense as no other team is going to want to take on Westbrook’s contract with the way he is playing this season.
The only team that might be willing is the team that traded Westbrook for Wall and some draft capital a year ago. And hey, John Wall is a Klutch Sports client, which seemingly is helping make decisions for the Lakers.
It won’t happen, though. The Lakers are stuck with Russell Westbrook. Let’s break down why.