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The realistic Russell Westbrook trade that the Lakers should make

By Jason Reed

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 29: Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook #0 look on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on December 29, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 29: Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook #0 look on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on December 29, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Why the Los Angeles Lakers should say yes to this Russell Westbrook trade:

This trade is all about one thing for the Los Angeles Lakers: money. Not only did the Lakers trade for someone who did not fit great from a scheme standpoint when they traded for Russell Westbrook but they also traded for someone who seriously restricts the team financially.

If Westbrook was on a one-year deal then the Lakers could take their medicine, hope that it works out this season and when it inevitably doesn’t they could pivot next offseason. However, Westbrook has a $47 million player option for next season that he is simply not going to turn down. He might not even get a three-year deal worth that much in free agency.

That means that the Lakers are not only stuck with this situation this season but next season as well. The offseason will merely consist of the team signing even more veteran free agents on the minimum and maybe a Talen Horton-Tucker trade. That is it.

This trade gives the Lakers much more flexibility. Both Gary Harris and Robin Lopez are expiring contracts and account for $25.4 million in salary-cap space that the Lakers would be freeing up. Ross has one more year left on his deal and he is making $11.5 million.

Instead of having to handle Westbrook’s $47 million salary next season, the Lakers would only have to handle Ross’s $11.5 million salary. That is much easier for the team to do and allows them to actually bring in quality depth pieces around LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Sure, the team would be giving up even more first-round picks to make this happen but the Lakers are a franchise that can afford to trade picks as they have the allure to bring in free agents. The last six Laker championships happened because of guys that were not even drafted using the Lakers’ first-round pick.

Shaquille O’Neal was a free-agent signing, the Lakers traded for the Hornets’ pick to take Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol was a trade acquisition, LeBron James was a free agent and Anthony Davis was a trade acquisition.

If all goes to plan the Lakers do not even need those picks.

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