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A realistic Russell Westbrook trade with the Knicks the Lakers can offer

By Jason Reed

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers chases after the ball in the first half against the New York Knicks 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 chases after the ball in the first half against the New York Knicks 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) /
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(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
(Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Why the Los Angeles Lakers could say yes:

There are two big pros in making this trade for the Los Angeles Lakers and they are both quite obvious. The team gets to move off of Russell Westbrook while also getting to do so without trading a first-round pick.

The question then becomes if the pros outweigh the cons for the team. The cons of this deal include the contracts that the team is taking on in return. There is a reasonable fear that Julius Randle is on a bad contract with how he played last season and with it being for four more seasons.

While last season was not promising, let’s not forget that Randle was an All-NBA guy just a season ago and last season was a wonky one in general for the Knicks. With Randle having someone who can run the offense in LeBron James, he should get better looks and if he accepts the role, could be a great third star next to Anthony Davis and LeBron.

The team has enough size to run a Randle-Davis frontcourt with LeBron, Fournier and a defensive-minded point guard (perhaps if Patrick Beverley gets bought out or is even included in this trade).

Fournier is coming off of a bad season but is still a great shooter at his core and the Lakers don’t have any shooting. Derrick Rose is a great point guard to bring off the bench in the Rajon Rondo role, especially as the Lakers look to limit LeBron’s workload in the end.

Yes, there is a chance that the contract could get bad, but the Lakers could flip it in the future if needed. Plus, if the team extends LeBron it is not going to have cap space to sign an all-star-caliber player next offseason anyway. Sure, they will have slightly more money for role players but that is about it.

Oh, and add in the fact that LA saves $1 million this season and it seems like a lock for the team.

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