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Lakers: 3 teams who could become new Russell Westbrook trade partners

By Jason Reed

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic during a game at Amway Center on January 21, 2022 in Orlando, 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 21: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives on Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic during a game at Amway Center on January 21, 2022 in Orlando, 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers are getting painfully close to the 2022-23 season without trading Russell Westbrook. At this point in time, it seems like the Lakers are going to hold onto Westbrook and potentially look to trade him at the deadline.

There is a massive risk in doing so as the same deals that are possible now likely won’t be possible for the team when February rolls around. If there are no suitors, the Lakers could be risking a painfully slow start with Westbrook that they can’t get out of, essentially punting away this season.

However, the inverse could also be true. There could also be new teams that are willing to trade for Westbook based on how they play throughout the 2022-23 season.

Here are 3 teams that could become new Russell Westbrook trade partners for the Los Angeles Lakers:

1. Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic are a young team and at this point in time, it makes no sense to bring Russell Westbrook in and have him potentially ruin the chemistry and development. However, when February rolls around and Orlando is in 12th place in the Eastern Conference it will become easier to trade some multi-year contracts to buy out Westbrook and save money.

Orlando has contracts to trade away as well. Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris are both under contract for the 2023-24 season and probably are not part of the team’s long-term plans. Orlando can then throw in an expiring Terrence Ross to make the money work.

Los Angeles would have to attach one first-round pick to make this happen. The return is not great but the price is cheaper with it being less than half a season of Westbrook. Meanwhile, Orlando frees up money past this season and gets a valuable future draft pick as a result.

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