Los Angeles Lakers: Pros and cons of rumored Russell Westbrook trade

The verdict on if the Los Angeles Lakers should pursue Russell Westbrook trade

While the Lakers may entertain the idea of trading for Westbrook this offseason, they should look to go in another direction.

The 32-year-old’s lack of a 3-point shot is a glaring concern that has the potential to become disastrous fairly quickly. Floor spacing is already a prominent issue for the Lakers, and Westbrook would not help clean it up whatsoever. His dependence on the basketball would also be something to be hesitant about, considering the team already has James, and another ball-dominant guard to Westbrook’s degree could be problematic. Furthermore, Westbrook is scheduled to make $44.2 million next season while holding a player option for $47 million the following. That would be quite the commitment.

As noted by Spears in his reporting, the Lakers are in the hunt for a point guard, and while Westbrook is on their list, another name they could go after is Chris Paul. While it seems like Paul will stay put with the Phoenix Suns after their crushing defeat in the NBA Finals, he does hold a player option worth $44.2 million next season. If he decides to opt-out, which seems likely, he could shock the world and go team up with his old friend LeBron James in Los Angeles to try and finally get a championship.

That is all just pure speculation right now, but if the Lakers are indeed hunting for a new point guard, Chris Paul would undeniably be a better fit for them than Russell Westbrook.