What Teams Are ‘Demanding’ From Lakers in Russell Westbrook Trade Revealed

The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to place Russell Westbrook on the trade block. Yes, the veteran had some issues this past season and Lakers fans were visibly frustrated every time he took the floor. Rob Pelinka has been eyeing some trade options, but there’s nothing too serious at the moment.

The Houston Rockets were the first and only team to show interest in Brodie. However, they wanted a first-rounder as well, and Pelinka turned down their offer.

Jovan Buha of The Athletic reported that NBA teams have serious demands when it comes to trading for Westbrook.

“Teams have been demanding the inclusion of at least one first-round pick to take on Westbrook’s massive expiring contract, according to league sources. Rival teams know how much of a public trainwreck last season was for the Lakers, and they’re not looking to do Los Angeles any favors by helping them off of Westbrook’s contract.”

Lakers won’t rush putting Russell Westbrook on the trade block

Buha confirmed that the Lakers won’t really trade any of their first-rounders to get rid of Westbrook. If they find a good trade partner, Brodie will go somewhere else. If trade options don’t materialize, the veteran will stay in LA.

“The Lakers have four options with Westbrook: they can trade him, waive and stretch him, buy him out, or run it back with him next season. Rivals believe Los Angeles has to trade him ahead of training camp because the situation is untenable, especially after Westbrook’s exit-interview comments deflected blame toward LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the franchise.

“But the Lakers don’t subscribe to that theory. As of now, they have no intention of using a first-round pick to facilitate a Westbrook trade, according to league sources.”

Buha has one suggestion for the Lakers. Get rid of Westbrook. Simple as that. He believes that keeping him on the roster would be a “grave mistake”.

“And it’s not merely a bluff or tactic to try to regain leverage in trade talks. That may be an ancillary motive, sure, but per league sources, there is a sentiment among some within the franchise that the right coach and a better supporting cast could smooth over Westbrook’s awkward fit with James and Davis. Despite the Lakers’ due diligence with their various roster-building paths, retaining Westbrook would be a grave mistake.”

Westbrook is an excellent player, but he is not a good fit for the Lakers. He came to LA as a valuable player but his experience didn’t help the Lakers make the big game.