Blockbuster Trade Proposal Sees Lakers Sign $179 Million Worth of Talent

A blockbuster trade could help the Los Angeles Lakers lose Russell Westbrook for good. The one-time MVP turned into a problem for the team. Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka had a chance to trade Westbrook in February, but the Lakers didn’t want to lose any first-round picks. It seems like this is an inevitable part of their future plans.

David Vertsberger from SNY bets on the New York Knicks. NY is getting Russ and a couple of first-rounders and the Lakers will get Julius Randle and Evan Fournier. In 2021-22, Fournier was able to shoot 38.9% from deep on 7.7 attempts per game. Pelinka wouldn’t mind giving him a contract.

“The Lakers are looking to dump Russell Westbrook’s salary along with first-round picks to secure a talent upgrade, while the Suns reportedly want to bring in a post-up power forward. New York could package Randle and Fournier for Westbrook and two firsts in concept, but Los Angeles has fought back against dealing both picks, especially unprotected. The Knicks were also going to attach a first to get rid of Fournier, so expecting much back in a deal involving him is folly.”

Could the Knicks swing a big trade before the season begins? (via @_Verts) https://t.co/XN4woZoNhR pic.twitter.com/vqbuKlaaEd

— SNY (@SNYtv) September 8, 2022

Blockbuster trade solves a big issue for the Lakers

The Lakers have to find a way to improve their shooting. They need strong 3-point shooters and Patrick Beverley may not be an exclusive solution to their problems. Moreover, his situation with Westbrook could turn into a big problem.

“I don’t believe that the Lakers think this is going to work. I think they’re saying that, and trying to keep a stiff upper lip and make the best out of this because they know they don’t have any Russell Westbrook trade that makes sense for them right now. So, they’re gonna try to make it work.

“But let’s be honest, we live in an era where you have to have shooting in the NBA. When the Lakers won their title a couple of years ago, it was with shooting. All of LeBron’s great teams in his career had shooting. You have Westbrook who is one of the worst three-point shooters in the NBA, and Patrick Beverley is coming off the worst three-point shooting year of his career…This duo doesn’t make any sense on a basketball level.”

This makes sense. The Lakers are looking for great trade partners. If they find one, Westbrook will leave the team before the start of the regular season.