The biggest storyline surrounding the Los Angeles Lakers all offseason was a potential Russell Westbrook trade. While there were points where a trade seemed imminent, here we are with a month until the season and Westbrook is still in Los Angeles.
All talks of a Westbrook trade have seemingly died out only for reports to sporadically spring up to give Lakers fans faith once more. Tony Jones of The Athletic reported on Wednesday that there are still ongoing talks between the Jazz and Lakers as Utah looks to consolidate the roster from 17 players and pick up assets in return.
While this might create some optimism that a Westbrook deal will happen after all, it is nothing but smoke and mirrors. This report does not add to the likelihood that Westbrook will be traded. In fact, I would argue that it definitely won’t happen with Utah.
Why the Los Angeles Lakers won’t make a Russell Westbrook trade with the Utah Jazz:
Everything we have learned about the team’s mindset when it comes to a Westbrook trade goes against the idea of trading with the Jazz. While moving Westbrook is obviously a plus, every other dynamic of this deal goes against the Lakers’ M-O.
First, the team reportedly wants to avoid bringing in multi-year contracts to remain financially flexible next summer. The only expiring (big) contract that the Jazz have is Bojan Bogdanovic. Whether it be Mike Conley, Jordan Clarkson, or Malik Beasley, LA would have to take on a multi-year deal or two.
Los Angeles is also reportedly being stingy with their future first-round picks. The team does not want to trade a first-round pick unless it substantially improves the roster, let alone two. This Westbrook deal with Utah probably requires two first-round picks.
The only way that the Lakers work out a Russell Westbrook trade with the Utah Jazz is if it was some kind of multi-team trade. There is actually potential for the Lakers to pull off a multi-team trade that checks all of the boxes. LA could improve the roster to contending status and only take on expiring contracts.
A two-team trade for Russell Westbrook is seemingly off the table with the Jazz, regardless of these new reports. If LA still hasn’t pulled the trigger on sending two picks for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield then it is doubtful they will do it for this return.
Lakers should bring in this EuroBasket semi-finalist
The Los Angeles Lakers still need to fill out two roster spots and they may have a candidate in this EuroBasket semi-finalist from France.
But hey, you never know. The NBA can be wildly unpredictable.