Los Angeles Lakers: 3 potential trade packages for Russell Westbrook

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers walks off the court after the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers
Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers

1. A three-way trade that lands Russell Westbrook in Philly

The first trade package is a three-team trade between the Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings, and Philadelphia 76ers. This trade would solve the dark cloud that has been looming over Philadelphia for the past few months.

That dark cloud is the Ben Simmons fiasco that the 76ers managed to get wrapped up in. It appears that things are irreconcilable between the two parties and as the result, the 76ers need to move him from the roster. Along with this, due to Simmons demanding a trade and refusing to play until he is traded, he has killed his own trade value, meaning the team trading for him will likely be able to get him on a discount.

This trade package would send Russell Westbrook, Davion Mitchell, a 2026 Lakers first-round pick, a 2023 Kings first-round pick, and a 2025 Kings first-round pick to Philadelphia. Sacramento would receive Ben Simmons and Danny Green. The Lakers would receive Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield.

It was thought by many that the big move the Lakers were making this past offseason was going to be to trade for Buddy Hield, however, they decided to go with Westbrook instead. Now, they have a chance to right their wrongs and not only add Hield to the roster, but Barnes as well. Both players would fit right in on the Lakers. Barnes is a versatile three and d player while Hield is one of the best shooters in the league.

While the Lakers would break up their big three in this deal, they would be exchanging it for a lot of depth which is something that is arguably much more important for this team.