All was quiet on the Russell Westbrook front as we got closer and closer to fall but that all changed on Friday. It was reported that the Los Angeles Lakers were signing Dennis Schroder to a one-year contract and now, a Westbrook trade seems more likely than ever.
The current construction of the Los Angeles Lakers rotation does not make much sense. Los Angeles was already extremely guard-heavy and added to the unbalanced nature of the roster by bringing in Schroder.
If that was not enough to make Westbrook feel uncomfortable, the latest report from Sam Amick and Jovan Buha of The Athletic will. According to the report, there are real legs for Westbrook to be relegated to the bench this upcoming season. He has to earn his starting spot over Schroder and Patrick Beverley.
The prospect of Russell Westbrook coming off the bench is being strongly considered, sources tell @sam_amick and @jovanbuha.
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) September 16, 2022
More details on the Lakers’ plan: https://t.co/Mbk8k22NgY pic.twitter.com/326LgTLz5N
While this is likely music to many fans’ ears, it definitely is not what Westbrook wants to hear. Westbrook has always had a massive basketball ego to the point where he reportedly is open to a trade so he could “return to the Westbrook of old”. Westbrook might be open to a trade but he has not demanded one… yet.
Russell Westbrook may demand a trade after the Lakers signed Dennis Schroder.
It seems like the Lakers are doing everything they can to upset Westbrook and make the former MVP demand a trade. Why? That is unclear. Westbrook demanding a trade from Los Angeles doesn’t suddenly give the Lakers more leverage in trade talks. The team is still going to have to send a similar package to move him.
There are only two possible reasons why LA would want Westbrook to demand a trade. First is simply to get better PR with the fans if they trade Westbrook. It is easier to justify trading two picks to move Westbrook if he is going scorched earth to get out of there.
That being said, the Lakers probably don’t need better PR to move Westbrook when most of the fanbase already wants him out of LA in the first place.
The other potential reason for this motivation is to get Westbrook to become willing to simply not play. There is absolutely a reality in which the Lakers pay Westbrook to stay home like John Wall. And quite frankly, the team would probably be better if that happened, especially with Schroder.
This would allow the team to explore Westbrook trades at a later date without bottoming out to start the year with Westbrook’s fit being so poor. Then, if nothing comes of it, the Lakers can save some money down the stretch with a buyout.
New Lakers statement jerseys cause a firestorm from fans on Twitter
The Los Angeles Lakers' new look features more bold black piping down the sides in addition to black numbering. The look is dividing fans.
Los Angeles really does seem like it is preparing for life without Westbrook, which is a great thing for fans. It is going to be incredibly interesting to see how this all unfolds as the 2022-23 season nears.