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Why Russell Westbrook is the key to the Lakers being true contenders

By Jason Reed

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 22: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers argues a foul call in front of Bones Hyland #5 during a 112-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns during Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 22: Russell Westbrook #0 of the LA Clippers argues a foul call in front of Bones Hyland #5 during a 112-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns during Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 22, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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The Los Angeles Lakers flipped a switch last season when the team traded Russell Westbrook and was able to rebuild the roster. Meanwhile, Westbrook was bought out and eventually signed with the Los Angeles Clippers to lose in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Westbrook is one of the most interesting free agents this offseason as he still seemingly thinks he is worth a big payday but that is not his standing throughout the league. And while he definitely won’t be returning to the Lakers ever in his career, he actually could be the key to the Lakers being true contenders.

It sounds insane but there is a domino effect that could be set off by Westbrook depending on the free-agent decision that he makes. If Westbrook returns to the Los Angeles Clippers, it could lead to the Lakers being the best version of themselves next season.

Why Russell Westbrook is the key to the Lakers being true contenders:

Multiple different dominoes have to fall for this to be the case but stick with us.

This is all centered around Chris Paul. It was initially reported that the Phoenix Suns were waiving Paul but that ended up not being true. However, it is clear that the Suns are weighing their options for Paul and that he likely won’t be on the team next season. If they cannot move him, he likely will be waived.

Even if Paul is traded, he could be traded to a team that can absorb the cap hit, take whatever assets the Suns want to trade to get him off the books and then release him. There is a good chance that Paul will be on the market before the start of the 2023-24 season.

So how does Westbrook play into this? Well, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said that one of the Lakers’ priorities might be to bring in Paul with one of the team’s exceptions (bi-annual or mid-level). Woj also said that Paul will probably prefer to stay in Los Angeles (where he lives), making the Lakers and Clippers a potential destination.

Previous reports indicate that the Clippers want to potentially bring back Westbrook on a “home-town discount” this offseason. If Westbrook does re-sign with the Clippers then Paul is out of the equation, as the Clippers won’t be able to roster both players.

Thus, Lakers fans should be rooting for Westbrook to stick around in Los Angeles that way the chances of adding Paul on a cheap deal are increased. In fact, if Paul is on the market and Westbrook is already signed with the Clippers then it might be a guarantee that he comes to the Lakers.

Paul might not be worth his current salary but getting him at that price would be exceptional. It would give the team another playmaker to take the burden off of LeBron James in the regular season. He may not add the shooting the Lakers need from that spot but at that price, the team can still retain its key free agents and bring in shooting help.

Next. 22 players the Lakers gave up on too early. dark

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