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Compelling Lakers Westbrook trade to exploit Draymond Green drama

By Jason Reed

SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors enters the court prior to the Washington Wizards v Golden State Warriors - NBA Japan Games at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. 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 Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images)
SAITAMA, JAPAN - OCTOBER 02: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors enters the court prior to the Washington Wizards v Golden State Warriors - NBA Japan Games at Saitama Super Arena on October 02, 2022 in Saitama, Japan. 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 Takashi Aoyama/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers were unable to trade Russell Westbrook this offseason but as we know in the NBA, things can change in a hurry. Not only are the Lakers going to be helped by Victor Wembanyama when it comes to the trade market, but there also could be surprise names that hit the trade market as well.

A good example of this is the latest drama on the Golden State Warriors between Draymond Green and Jordan Poole. The two got into a reported altercation in practice that included a punch thrown by Green. Punishment from the Warriors is expected to come.

Does this guarantee that Green is going to be traded? Not at all. But with him entering the last year of his contract (unless he accepts his player option for the 2023-24 season) and Poole being younger and likely getting an extension after this year, the Warriors could at least consider the possibility of trading Green down the line.

This prompted The Ringer’s Bill Simmons to throw together a quick Draymond Green trade including the Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook. As crazy as it sounds (and despite Simmons saying he was loaded up on bronchitis medicine), the trade actually could make some sense.

This Russell Westbrook trade wouldn’t be totally surprising for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Most Lakers fans would probably shudder at this trade and would instead rather see the team simply get Myles Turner and Buddy Hield in a package. While that might have some merit, Green is also a big-name player who is a former all-star that knows what it takes to win a championship.

Is this the best move that the Lakers could make? Probably not. But would Rob Pelinka and the front office talk themselves into getting Draymond instead of Turner? Yeah, probably. This is the same front office that traded for Westbrook in the first place because of pressure from LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

It is no secret that LeBron and Green have a good relationship, so we know that there would be some internal pressure once more. Add in the sharpshooting Hield to help space the floor and it doesn’t take much to see how LA would talk itself into this deal.

The package is essentially the same for Indiana, who we know would take Westbrook’s contract if two first-round picks are attached. As for Golden State, they would get someone who would actually fit quite nicely on their roster while also saving a lot of money on the luxury tax, as Simmons alluded to.

Turner would be a nice one-year option as James Wiseman continues to develop behind him off the bench. Turner’s offensive skillset would absolutely be maximized on the Warriors with his ability to make a shot while his defensive ability near the rim would add something that Golden State simply doesn’t have.

Los Angeles is probably getting the worst end of this trade, but for reasons already explained, it would not be shocking to see them still say yes to this package.

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