Additional to the speculated negotiations with Indiana and Brooklyn, LA Lakers sources claim they have several other trade alternatives for Russell Westbrook.
Russell Westbrook, the point guard for the LA Lakers, has frequently been associated with the Brooklyn Nets and the Indiana Pacers.
In addition to Buddy Hield and Myles Turner from Indiana, LA has been considering Kyrie Irving of the Nets as well as these players as the focal point of a potential trade.
To improve their lineup, the Lakers, though, claim to be exploring all options, including the possibility of trading Westbrook to other clubs.
Possibilities
Lakers front office insiders assert that they have possibilities in addition to those that have been published, according to a report by Dan Woike of the LA Times (Irving, Buddy Hield, Myles Turner, and others).
Patrick Beverly, Jordan Clarkson, and draught picks have also been suggested about the Utah Jazz and the Dallas Mavericks, respectively, as well as a plethora of shooters.
Any deal has so far been derailed by the Lakers’ unwillingness to throw in two additional first-round picks.
There have been recent rumors that they would agree to the Brooklyn Nets’ terms to sign Irving.
A deal centered on Westbrook and the two upcoming first-round choices might be enough to acquire the mercurial point guard.
Undeniable Criticism
The LA Lakers’ strategy, however, was criticized by several basketball observers.
The front office is constantly pleading not to even mention Irving.
Former NBA players who support the Lakers want them to get Hield and Turner because they are the better match.
The consistency and accuracy of Hield’s shooting will be crucial in his favor.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis will benefit greatly from Turner’s defensive versatility and ability to guard the rim.
Some feel that using those two future first-round picks to acquire the Indiana Pacers tandem would be a better use of those two picks.
If Russell Westbrook is retained, the LA Lakers could face severe problems.
Russell Westbrook should be aware that the LA Lakers are trying to move him after a flurry of trade discussions since the trade deadline in February.
The Lakers concluded the Westbrook experiment has failed following their terrible season.
The former MVP’s obstinacy, which prevented him from realizing his mistakes from last season, hasn’t helped his cause either.
LeBron James’ valuable championship window could be wasted by another season of the same disastrous failure if Westbrook plays.