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A massive Russell Westbrook trade that could save the Lakers’ offseason

By Jonathan Kiernan

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 01: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 01, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 01: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on March 01, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

Why the Los Angeles Lakers would make the deal

The Los Angeles Lakers have by now probably realized that the Russell Westbrook trade was probably a mistake and that as currently constructed, they do not have a good chance of getting back to the NBA Finals this year.

But what if this trade could turn around their fortunes?

This trade for the Lakers isn’t all sunshine and lollipops.

The downside of this trade for the purple and gold is they take on significantly more salary for the next 3 years. They will have LeBron, AD, Brogdon, and Hield (Hield has two years left on his deal) clogging up most of their cap space.

The Lakers could go all in for these 3 seasons (even extending LeBron for an additional year to match up years-wise with Brogdon and Hield) and after the 3 years, the Lakers would be able to build a brand new team around Anthony Davis and compete for years more to come.

Until then it would mean that they will have to get used to veteran minimum players and rookies to fill out the end of the bench.

The Lakers have done very well over the years in the draft finding gems in the lottery, late 1st, 2nd round, and even undrafted with Austin Reaves proving to be another potential diamond in the rough.

Going into next season the Lakers would 6 players under contract, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Malcolm Brogdon, Buddy Hield, Stanley Johnson, and Austin Reaves under contract.

Kendrick Nunn could potentially come back to the Lakers if he picks up his deal which he might do as he hasn’t played at all this season.

The Lakers could sign players like Wenyen Gabriel and Mac McClung to multiple-year $1.5m contracts which would be very cost-effective.

Players such as Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and potentially Avery Bradley would return next season but this still leaves the purple and gold with a number of roster spots to fill.

The Lakers would have the taxpayer mid-level exception which comes in at about $6.2 million. With this money, they could try and convince Malik Monk to come back for one more year.

Pad the end of the bench with vet minimum players and a young rookie or two and the Lakers roster will be ready to compete once more.

Buddy Hield gives the Lakers a flamethrower from the 3-point line. With LeBron James and Anthony Davis on the floor, Hield will get the best 3-point looks of his entire career. On any given night he can go for 20+ points meaning the Lakers would have an additional weapon when LeBron or Anthony Davis aren’t playing their best.

Malcolm Brogdon gives the Lakers the ideal combo guard who can give LeBron rest in terms of playmaking.

Brogdon’s ability to play both the shooting guard and point guard position allows for the Lakers to also create switching matchups. They can go small and have a 3 guard line up of Brogdon, Reaves, and Hield. All who can stretch the floor.  Reaves and Brogdon provide the defense and Hield provides additional scoring. LeBron James can play power forward with AD at Center.

This trade also makes the Lakers younger. Both Brogdon and Hield are 29 meaning that the Lakers would potentially be getting both players coming into their prime years.

A potential lineup of;

  • C Anthony Davis
  • PF LeBron James
  • SF Buddy Hield
  • SG Austin Reaves
  • PG Malcolm Brogdon

The Lakers roster would be significantly better balanced in terms of sharing the load and would increase their chances of winning another championship even more.

The Los Angeles Lakers realize that they messed up with the Russell Westbrook trade. It is going to cost them to get out from under his contract. If it is going to cost them, why not pull the trigger on a deal that might re-open their championship window once more?

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