The Los Angeles Lakers in theory made a really astute trade when they landed the services of former MVP, 9-time All-star, and the all-time leader in triple-doubles Russell Westbrook. The blueprint since the days of the big 3 in Boston is that 3 superstars on a roster are damn hard to beat come playoff time.
Steph, Klay, and KD. LeBron, Wade, and Bosh. Duncan, Parker, and Manu. Pierce, KG, and Allen.
It is a proven method that allows the team with a big 3 to overwhelm their opponent as on any given night, the role of the number one option can be passed to another.
With LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook, the Los Angeles Lakers had a bonafide big 3 that on paper, should send a shiver down the spine of each of their opponents. So why has it not worked as they had planned?
A multitude of reasons.
Injuries and COVID have been the main reason why the Lakers haven’t clicked. With Anthony Davis injured for at least a month and LeBron battling numerous aches and pains, the Lakers roster that GM Rob Pelinka constructed has not really gotten to play too much time together.
During all this, Russ has continued to be Russ. While he is still a triple-double threat every night (quadruple-double if you count turnovers), he just doesn’t seem to be clicking with the Lakers roster.
The Lakers have at the very least shown moderate interest in trading Russell Westbrook.
According to Sam Amick of The Athletic:
"the Lakers showed some covert interest in discussing a possible Westbrook trade with rival executives earlier this season,” wrote Sam Amick of The Athletic."
If the Lakers are seemingly receptive to moving on from the former MVP, what trade package could they receive for the All-Star point guard.
Could the New York Knicks be an option?
Here is a blockbuster trade that would send Russell Westbrook to the New York Knicks.
A trade that potentially changes the fortunes of all three teams.
So let’s understand why each of the teams would go ahead and pull the trigger on a trade.