Most likely candidates to be Lakers' secret Russell Westbrook trade target

Most likely candidates to be Lakers’ secret Russell Westbrook trade target

By Jason Reed | Nov 10, 2022

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(Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

2. Damian Lillard

Out of the three players on this list, I would put money on Damian Lillard being the player that the Los Angeles Lakers are closely monitoring. This does not mean that Lillard will be traded to the Lakers or that the team is even going to have enough to get him. But with everything going on, Lillard makes the most sense as a potential target.

There have been Lillard trade rumblings in the past and even some brief rumors connected to LA. Nothing obviously came of it and Lillard re-committed to being on the Blazers as he is one of the NBA stars that has shown loyalty.

However, if things yet again go south for Portland enough could become enough for Lillard. That is probably what the Lakers are hoping for as they could try to come in with draft capital and financial freedom for the Blazers for getting off of Lillard’s long-term deal.

I would not rule out Lillard demanding a trade from the Blazers at some point before his contract is up but it seems very unlikely that it would happen while Westbrook is still on the books in LA. If Portland got off to a horrible start it would be one thing but that has not been the case at all.

The Lakers may really want Lillard but the Blazers are off to a good start and Lillard seems happy. It seems like the most likely pipe dream for LA that won’t ever actually happen.

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