3 Los Angeles Lakers who could still be traded this offseason

By Nick Halden | Jun 25, 2022

MIAMI, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: General manager Rob Pelinka of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on prior to the game against the Miami Heat at FTX Arena on January 23, 2022 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports – Los Angeles Lakers /

2. Russell Westbrook

If you’re a Lakers fan you have to hope the offseason chatter of running it back with Westbrook next season is simply posturing. How can any reasonable basketball mind watch the Lakers last season and believe the team is capable of winning with Westbrook?

If the front office is simply posturing and attempting to find the best deal for Westbrook it seems unlikely they will find a deal that will make them anything but better. Westbrook’s inefficiency and inability to adjust hurt this team far more than anyone could have projected.

Whether it is a deal for John Wall or a deal for multiple bad contracts in exchange for Westbrook, the Lakers are going to improve if they find a way to send Westbrook elsewhere.

Perhaps if Russell were willing to accept more accountability in his postgame pressers or showed a willingness to change his game there would be a reason to argue giving him one more shot with the Lakers.

However, his continual inability to do either of these things should only add to the urgency the Lakers should be feeling to move Westbrook this offseason. No matter who they receive in return the team will be better.

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