The Lakers should turn Bobby Marks trade idea into reality

Fans of the Los Angeles Lakers couldn’t stop themselves from smiling when they were told that Russell Westbrook was set to join their roster at the beginning of the season. Westbrook, of course, was a violent finisher at the rim, pesky on defense, and most importantly, the triple-double king.

While a Hall of Fame jacket is expected to be draped over his shoulders once he hangs up his kicks for good, after watching him clang shot after shot off the backboard and throw the ball all over the court, Laker nation is anxious to push Westbrook out the door.

So far, the former league MVP’s numbers are considerably lower than what we’ve grown accustomed to seeing. Still, with averages of 18.7 points, 7.7 assists, and 7.8 rebounds – you’d be fooled into thinking that Westbrook is actually playing well…he’s not.

Through no fault of his own, Westbrook simply doesn’t fit. But, due to his onerous contract, it’s practically impossible to find a team that would be willing to absorb those numbers. Currently, Westbrook is pocketing over $44 million this season. Next year, he’s making…prepare yourself…over $47 million, as long as he opts in, which he’ll undoubtedly do.

Although it seems as though his contract is going to haunt them, Bobby Marks of ESPN has an interesting idea but should the Lakers push to turn his hypothetical trade idea into a reality?

Should the Lakers buy Russell Westbrook a first class ticket to New York?

Russell Westbrook is obviously the main character here. The New York Knicks haven’t found a true point guard to lead them since Walt Clyde Frazier was lacing up his sneakers for the franchise almost half a century ago. With Quentin Grimes, Cam Reddish, and RJ Barrett giving Westbrook all of the spacing in the world, he’ll have the freedom to attack the basket and attempt wild shots or dish it off to a diving Julius Randle.

Pay no attention to Wayne Ellington and DeAndre Jordan, both of those guys have little to nothing left in the tank and will spend most of their time cheering teammates on from the back of the bench.

As for the Lakers, they should jump on this move with both hands. Kemba Walker isn’t the player he once was but he’s still a double-digit scorer and can play roughly 25 minutes off the bench. Evan Fournier and Alec Burks are another pair of guards who can either come off the bench or start at the two-guard position.

More than anything, this move puts the ball back into the hands of LeBron James. The last time the Lakers did that, not only did they win a title but James led the league in assists per game.

So what are the Lakers waiting for? They have a chance to get rid of a vagarious player in Westbrook and two inconsequential pieces in Jordan and Ellington. By the way, that first-round draft pick that’s included in the deal is top 14 protected anyways. Each player that the Lakers receive scores in double figures and gives them more playmaking options. Make the move Lakers, Laker nation is begging you.