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Los Angeles Lakers: Why they should not trade for Russell Westbrook

By Zamir Bueno

WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 28: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards looks to pass in front of Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Capital One Arena on April 28, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - APRIL 28: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Washington Wizards looks to pass in front of Talen Horton-Tucker #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the first half at Capital One Arena on April 28, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
(Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

Lakers alternatives to a Russell Westbrook trade: 2. John Wall

If the OKC Thunder don’t like the trade proposal, the Lakers could move on to Wall. Wall has converted 38.5 percent of his catch and shoot threes on 2.3 attempts per game. Catch and shoots have accounted for 57.5 percent of his threes, as he has shot 33.3 percent from behind the arc on 4 attempts per game.

Not only would Wall be a better option off the ball than Westbrook, but he is also capable of being successful on the ball. Wall has averaged 8.6 pick and rolls per game since 2015, shooting 43 percent from the field on 6.3 attempts per game. The shooting percentage allowed him to average 6.8 points per game out of the pick and roll: 32.4 percent of his scoring output.

Furthermore, Wall desires to get out of Houston because, like Walker, he is not on the same timeline as the Houston Rockets. Wall is a 30-year-old point guard who wants to be on a win-now team.

Unfortunately, the Rockets started a rebuild mid-way through last season, after James Harden forced a trade from the Rockets. As a result, Wall has liked posts on social media about potential trade suggestions that would allow him to leave Houston.

Therefore, the Los Angeles Lakers could offer the same deal they would for Walker to acquire Wall and see if Houston will take it.

In conclusion, Westbrook’s inability to thrive off the ball makes him a bad fit for the Lakers. Consequently, they should pursue Walker and Wall, who have had better success thriving off the ball.

Next. Lakers: Pros and cons of Russell Westbrook trade. dark

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