Report: Lakers Declined Blockbuster Trade Landing Them All-NBA Guard

The Los Angeles Lakers had a chance to make a move, but they declined a blockbuster trade. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka decided to move on with the same roster. Russell Westbrook isn’t going anywhere.

Several reports suggest that the Lakers did try to make some changes, but opted to keep each and every player on their roster.

Bill Oram of The Athletic was among the first to report the options LA had heading into the trade deadline. Pelinka received a few offers, but the situation remained the same.

The Toronto Raptors were part of these negotiations. They called the Lakers to talk about Khem Birch and Chris Boucher. The New York Knicks discussed Dennis Schroder.

Lakers declined blockbuster trade deal with the Houston Rockets

Westbrook was the hottest topic these days. Many thought that the Lakers would get rid of the veteran due to his struggles.

The Houston Rockets were the only team to mention Westbrook. They offered John Wall for Westbrook and a first-rounder. Pelinka didn’t want that.

“We were aggressive in a lot of conversations trying to improve the team – we always want to put this team in the best position to win a championship,” Pelinka detailed. “But ultimately we didn’t find a deal that had a net positive effect for the short term success of the team and the long term, and those are both things we consider.”

Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report explained that LeBron could have brought Wall in LA. He just didn’t want it…

“Ahead of the Los Angeles Lakers’ disastrous loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Thursday, sources told B/R that L.A. was unlikely to trade Russell Westbrook at the deadline,” Pincus wrote. “The caveat: If LeBron James decides that fellow Klutch Sports client John Wall could be a better fit and is willing to push extremely hard for Westbrook’s exit, the Lakers might consider a deal with the Houston Rockets.”

Pelinka had his own reasons to make a move. He didn’t move a finger, and the only thing we can do right now is sit and wait.