Los Angeles Lakers: Pros and cons of rumored Russell Westbrook trade
By Dalton Sell
With the 2020-21 NBA season officially coming to a close, the Los Angeles Lakers are gearing up for a busy offseason ahead.
They will be looking to revamp this roster after being knocked out in the first round of the playoffs this year, largely due to injuries to their top tandem of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. A fully healthy Lakers squad is a dangerous team, and they will be right back into contention next season with these two healthy. However, despite that guarantee, it seems certain that there will be changes coming involving the supporting cast.
Among the most prominent areas to address is the team’s point guard position, which is currently as uncertain as they come. Dennis Schroder occupied the position this past year, but with rumors circulating that he might command a new deal worth $100 to $120 million in free agency, he might be taking his talents elsewhere.
With that thought in mind, the Lakers are reportedly interested in acquiring a former MVP.
The Los Angeles Lakers are rumored to have an interest in pairing Russell Westbrook with LeBron James and Anthony Davis through trade this offseason.
The latest rumblings involving Los Angeles and what they might plan to do this offseason suggest they will take an aggressive approach and look to trade for Russell Westbrook. With little assets at their disposal, The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears believes that a sign-and-trade involving several key pieces could be in order to bring Westbrook back to his home state.
"“There have also been talks about Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook being a potential candidate to move back home to Los Angeles in a sign-and-trade deal that could include free agent point guard Dennis Schroder, forward Kyle Kuzma and guard Talen Horton-Tucker, sources said.”"
Westbrook is coming off a solid season with the Washington Wizards, and he is undoubtedly an interesting candidate on their rumored wishlist this offseason. With that being said, here are the pros and the cons as the Lakers potentially ponder trading for the 2016-17 league MVP.