Lake Show Life
Fansided

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)
7 of 7
(Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

6. Swapping contracts with the New York Knicks

There are two potential ways the Los Angeles Lakers could trade Russell Westbrook to the Knicks. One is possible despite the reports that the Knicks are not currently interested in Randle (things can change) while the other is perhaps wishful thinking.

Pincus suggests the wishful thinking route of trading Westbrook for Evan Fournier, Derrick Rose, Alex Burcs, Kemba Walker and Cam Reddish. While the Knicks may want to open up cap space in the future with some of those contracts, I don’t think any team in the league is trading five players for Russell Westbrook.

That package is fiction. The one way to potentially trade Westbrook to New York is if the Lakers take on Julius Randle, who is coming off of a really disappointing season after signing an extension with the Knicks.

Pincus says that this might not make sense for the Lakers while also having Anthony Davis and LeBron James but the Lakers do not have the luxury of being picky. Beggars cannot be choosers and if the team has a package with the Knicks, it would have to include Randle.

The Knicks would have to be really sour on Randle, who does not seem like he wants to be in New York. If Randle forces his way out he is not going to have much value because of his contract and his disappointing year. No team is going to trade actual assets for Randle, so a Westbrook swap might be best.

The Knicks would get to clean their hands with Randle and could get someone who can at least elevate the floor next season in Westbrook. The Lakers would have to hope that Randle turns it around but as the third-best player on the team, he should be just fine.

Another contract would have to be thrown in and that could be Evan Fournier, who the Knicks overpaid for last summer. Even though New York benefits from getting off his contract, adding Fournier to the deal means the Lakers would likely have to add a first. Quite frankly, Westbrook and a first for Randle and Fournier might be the ceiling of what the team can get for Russ.

Verdict: Fact (for Julius Randle)

Home/Lakers News