Lakers: Ranking 3 potential Russell Westbrook trades without Kyrie Irving

By Jason Reed | Aug 2, 2022

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 28: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers congratulates LeBron James #6 after scoring he scored a basket and was fouled against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Staples Center on November 28, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

2. Trading Russell Westbrook for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield

This is an interesting trade to dive into as the Indiana Pacers have reportedly already rejected an offer from the Lakers. According to reports, Indiana rejected a package centered around Westbrook and one future first-round pick for Turner and Hield. It is now perceived that LA needs to send two picks to make this trade happen.

Two first-round picks for the dup of Hield and Turner is a bit pricey, even if the Lakers are getting rid of Westbrook. At the end of the day, with the Lakers having more picks in upcoming years than they advertise, the team should still make this deal if it is the only one on the table.

However, it would obviously be better if it can be done for just one first-round pick and that is still not off the table. While reports indicate that Indiana turned this down, they don’t really have any other market for these two and the timing of the report seemed to be influenced by the Pacers to get more leverage.

One of the two sides had to leak this to reporters and it makes more sense for Indiana to do so to try and get more out of LA. Plus, why would the Lakers send a concrete offer to Indiana when Kyrie could still be available? Everything about the report seemed like it was just a game by the other side.

At the end of the day, though, Hield would add a much-needed three-point shooter to the roster while Turner would add a solid big that can space the floor for LA.

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