Lakers ‘In Contact’ With New NBA Team Amid Search For Russell Westbrook Trade

The Los Angeles Lakers are willing to part ways with Russell Westbrook and it seems like they have found a potential trade partner. Westbrook has been on the trade block for quite some time. Yes, the front office didn’t make any moves and kept him on the roster for another season, but it’s more than obvious that Russ is on his way out.

Several teams have been listed as potential suitors for Westbrook. Sam Amico of Hoops Wire has just added another one. According to him, the Lakers have discussed Westbrook’s trade with the Charlotte Hornets.

“The Lakers continue to search for trades centered on guards Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverley,” Amico wrote. “They have been in contact with the Hornets lately, sources said.”

Westbrook didn’t really help the Lakers win last season. He struggled to make an impact and Lakers fans wanted him out. There were rumors suggesting that the Lakers are close to trading Westbrook.

Lakers want to trade Russell Westbrook despite new bench rle

Darvin Ham’s arrival seems to have changed their plans. The Lakers head coach said he has plans for Westbrook and he was pretty convinced that the veteran would embrace his new role. Westbrook was never a bench player, but he became one this season. To be honest, he’s doing a really good job in his new position. Westbrook played in 49 games so far, averaging 15.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists in 28.7 minutes per game. He shoots 41.9% from the floor and 28.8% from the three-point line.

Westbrook may not be the only player on the trade block. Pelinka will probably trade Patrick Beverley, too. The veteran joined the Lakers this summer, but his inconsistency will probably send him somewhere else. Beverley is averaging 6.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game. Pelinka needs more than that to win games.

The Lakers have to figure things out, otherwise they will lose another season. LeBron James is already frustrated and things may turn really bad for everyone. Let’s see how this goes… Will Westbrook join the Hornets?