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3 keys to the Los Angeles Lakers unlocking Russell Westbrook

By Jason Reed

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 28: (L-R)LeBron James #6, Anthony Davis #3, and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the sideline during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 28, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 28: (L-R)LeBron James #6, Anthony Davis #3, and Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers look on from the sideline during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 28, 2022 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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The biggest goal for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason is probably to trade Russell Westbrook. However, that goal has always been easier said than done and Westbrook actually being traded is far from a guarantee.

When you consider the assets that the Lakers would have to attach to Westbrook as well as the contracts they would have to take on in return, it is easy to see Rob Pelinka and co. just talking themselves into keeping Westbrook and simply resetting after the 2022-23 season.

However, with the championship window shrinking with LeBron James and no guarantee that he will return for another season, Pelinka and co. could also convince themselves to compound the issue with another bad move, such as trading for (and extending) James Harden.

Things have to change if the Los Angeles Lakers are going to keep Russell Westbrook.

If the Lakers are unable to find a trade partner for Westbrook then things have to change with how the team utilizes him. Westbrook has one of the biggest basketball egos in the sport and it is clear from last season that he is not going to completely mold himself to fit into this system. He did not change at all last season.

However, there are smaller things that the Lakers can actually control that they need to at least try if Westbrook is still in town next season. And who knows, the Lakers could unlock a meaningful role player by making these changes. Westbrook is never going to be a “star” again, at least on the Lakers, but if they can get a solid role player out of him then it would be a win.

Here are three keys to potentially unlocking the best version of Westbrook at this point in his career, whatever that might be.

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