Proposed Trade Gives Lakers $73 Million Forward & $68 Million Guard for Russell Westbrook

NBA analysts have come up with another trade proposal for the Los Angeles Lakers and yes, it includes Russell Westbrook. Rob Pelinka had a chance to get rid of Russ in several occasions, but he didn’t want to give up on a first-round pick. The Lakers need these picks so they can rebuild the roster in the future. LeBron James and Anthony Davis won’t carry the team on their back forever.

Westbrook may have created a bond with the new Lakers head coach, but no one can forged his struggles from last season. He had 78 starts in his first season with the Lakers. Russ averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists while going 44.4% from the field, 29.8% from beyond the arc and 66.7% from the free-throw line. Keep in mind that Russ finished second in the NBA in turnovers.

Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report would gladly sent Russ to Utah.

“If the Lakers are tired of haggling with the Brooklyn Nets about compensation in a potential Kyrie Irving-Russell Westbrook swap, or if the Nets end up trading Irving to the Miami Heat, L.A. should be happy to do business with Utah instead,” Swartz wrote. “There’s simply no way the Lakers can compete for a title next season with Westbrook as the team’s starting point guard, even if LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook are supposedly committed to making it work, per Yahoo’s Chris Haynes. The West is way too good, and these Lakers are way too thin, especially with so many odd-fitting pieces. L.A. needs to capitalize on a potential Jazz firesale, even if it means giving up their coveted future firsts.”

Big trade deal boosts the Lakers roster, sends Westbrook to another team

Pelinka could find great use for Conley, Beasley, and Bogdanovic. Darvin Ham needs more shooters. LeBron and AD need all the help they can get in the upcoming season. The Western Conference is packed with talent. It’s time to add more strength to the roster.

“Conley would be an upgrade at point guard, the perfect steady hand to run the offense, get guys into sets and knock down open threes (40.8 percent from deep last season),” Swartz wrote. “Bogdanovic (18.1 points, 38.7 percent from three) and Beasley (12.1 points, 37.7 percent from three) would be terrific complementary shooters to place around James and Davis.”