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Lakers: Why a Russell Westbrook trade at the deadline is most likely

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. The New Orleans Pelicans won 123-95. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 27: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. The New Orleans Pelicans won 123-95. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The Los Angeles Lakers have a lot of work to do this offseason if they are going to turn the most disappointing team in NBA history into a legitimate title contender once more. Los Angeles was the favorite to win the NBA Championship out of the Western Conference and had just about the worst season the team could have had.

There was a lot wrong with the Lakers during the 2021-22 season and most of it stemmed from the team’s decision to trade for Russell Westbrook in the offseason. The trade itself not only removed important depth from the roster, but Westbrook’s salary kept the team from adding quality depth to its “core three” of Westbrook, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The no. 1 goal for the Lakers this offseason is going to be to move Westbrook but that is a lot easier said than done. In fact, it seems more likely that the Lakers won’t be able to trade Westbrook this summer and will instead have to move him at next year’s trade deadline.

There are two reasons why this Russell Westbrook trade scenario is the most likely for the Lakers.

Bill Simmons first proposed this idea of the Lakers not being able to move Westbrook this summer and instead trading him during the 2023 trade deadline. While it seems like a nightmare for Laker fans, it is the most likely scenario.

Laker fans who want to see Westbrook off the team as soon as possible should embrace for this reality to come to fruition. Let’s dive into the two reasons why.

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