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

By Jason Reed | Sep 8, 2022

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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(Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

2. Washington Wizards

Let’s not rule out the possibility of the Washington Wizards taking Russell Westbrook back this season. While it does not make sense for the Wizards at this point in time, there is absolutely a world in which this becomes the best move that Washington can make.

It is pretty obvious that the Wizards are going to fall behind in the Eastern Conference and will probably look to collect assets and hit the reset button. The best way that the team could do that would be to call the Lakers and see if Los Angeles wants to flip Westbrook for Kristaps Porzingis.

This would not be a great deal for the Lakers as Porzingis is also under contract next year and is not the most reliable big man to trade for. However, desperate teams do silly things (let’s not forget the Lakers traded for Westbrook in the first place) and I would not rule out Rob Pelinka talking himself into Kristaps if it only cost one first-round pick.

In theory, Kristaps would provide floor spacing for the Lakers that allows AD to play the four. Of course, every team talks itself into Kristaps when they trade for him and it usually is not as good as expected.

Another player would have to be thrown in and that would likely be Will Barton, who is on an expiring contract and would replenish some of the guard minutes lost by trading Westbrook.

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