Lakers: Fact or fiction on 6 potential Russell Westbrook trade packages

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he was fouled by Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he was fouled by Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

5. The Lakers finally get Jerami Grant

The Los Angeles Lakers tried trading for Jerami Grant at the deadline and came to the harsh reality that Talen Horton-Tucker is not worth anything as a trade chip. Can’t really blame any team for not wanting THT, he is making over $10 million a season and was one of the worst offensive players in the entire league last season.

Pincus now suggests another way for the Lakers to potentially get Jerami Grant this summer. Pincus does not suggest an actual package, but based on the money, the Lakers would get Grant, Kelly Olynyk and Hamidou Diallo for Westbrook.

The Lakers would have to send multiple first-round picks to get this deal done. One first-round pick would not be enough and that could keep the Lakers from ultimately wanting to do this trade. However, even if LA was willing to trade two first-round picks, this trade is unrealistic.

While the Detroit Pistons may not want to extend Grant they can still get far more for him on the trade market than a salary dump for Russell Westbrook. This is the guy that Detroit refused to trade with offers a few months ago and suddenly they would trade him in a package for Westbrook?

Plus, why would the Pistons want to bring Westbrook in when they just spent the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft on a point guard in Cade Cunningham? Westbrook would only hinder his development.

Verdict: Fiction