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3 reasons against the Lakers trading Russell Westbrook

By Jason Reed

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after their 129-121 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JANUARY 30: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after their 129-121 loss to the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on January 30, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers /

The biggest goal for the Los Angeles Lakers this summer is going to be to trade Russell Westbrook. That is much easier said than done, though, as Westbrook’s value as a trade asset is non-existent with his poor play and $47.1 million salary next season.

That being said, crazier things have happened in the NBA and there could be a team that talks itself into Westbrook, whether that be this summer or next season at the deadline.

While there is a myriad of reasons to trade Westbrook at some point, there are not a lot of outlets looking at the reasons against trading the former MVP. Some fans may not think there are any reasons to keep Westbrook around but there definitely are factors that the Lakers need to take into consideration.

3 reasons against the Los Angeles Lakers trading Russell Westbrook:

1. It could cost one, if not two, first-round picks

As mentioned, Westbrook does not have much trade value and if the Los Angeles Lakers are going to move off of him then they are probably going to have to find a team that is willing to take him on in a salary-dump deal.

Those trades do not come for free, though, as teams often have to attach at least one first-round pick to make them happen. We can be optimistic all we want about Westbrook’s trade value but the reality of the situation is that no team is calling for Westbrook and if they are going to take on that massive salary, they are going to need picks in return.

In the extremely unlikely case that the Lakers can trade Westbrook without also trading picks then it balances the scales more in favor of trading him. With the picks attached, it can be a tough pill to swallow.

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