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3 moves the Lakers must now make after the Kevin Durant news

By Jason Reed

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 21: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers before the game against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on November 21, 2021 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers will not be trading for Kyrie Irving. Sean Marks announced via the Brooklyn Nets’ Twitter account on Tuesday that Kevin Durant and the team would be continuing its partnership into next season.

Los Angeles still needs to trade Russell Westbrook if it wants any shot at contending for a title next season. While it is disappointing that Kyrie won’t be a Laker, at least the team finally gets some clarity and can move ahead with other options.

While there are several different paths the Lakers can take to get Westbrook off the roster, there is one path that would yield the best results for the team and create a roster that is good enough to contend for a championship.

Here are 3 moves the Lakers should now make after the Kevin Durant news:

1. Trade Russell Westbrook for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner

This is one of the Westbrook alternatives and it is the most-talked about. In fact, the Lakers reportedly already offered a package of Westbrook and a first-round pick to Indiana that the Pacers turned down.

The timing of that report was fishy as at the time, Kyrie Irving was still on the market. So it seems doubtful that the Lakers made an official offer to Indiana and it was likely more just conversational. Either way, it might take two picks to get the deal done.

While two picks are a lot to trade away it would be worth it for the Lakers. Trading away Westbrook alone is worth an extra 6-7 wins next season and replacing him with two role players in Hield and Turner that actually fit in nicely with the roster adds another extra 6-7 wins.

But the Lakers should not stop there. There are more moves to be made that can maximize the talent on this roster and bring the team back to contending status.

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