NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers showed interest in trading Russell Westbrook

The Los Angeles Lakers have been struggling mightily this season. Nothing seems to be going to plan, and the way things are going, they will likely end up in the play-in this season.

LeBron James has been a force to be reckoned with, though, so it’s clear that the issue lies with his supporting cast. Despite this, there’s one name, in particular, that’s gotten most of the blame this season – Russell Westbrook.

Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles were largely blamed on Russell Westbrook

The Lakers traded for Westbrook this past offseason, giving away three of their core rotation pieces. They dealt for him instead of a deal that would have reportedly landed Buddy Hield.

While Westbrook hasn’t been bad lately, he started off the season rough. This poor play has caused him to be the scapegoat for many Lakers fans this season as the team continues to underperform.

However, in the last nine games, the Lakers have been significantly better with Westbrook on the court. He’s making his impact known, but in a good way lately.

That being said, his early-season woes reportedly caused the Lakers to consider taking drastic measures. Earlier this season, NBA trade rumors say that they looked at trading him.

NBA Trade Rumors: Lakers showed interest in trading Russell Westbrook

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic (subscription required), the Los Angeles Lakers showed a secret interest in trading Russell Westbrook earlier this season. This included conversations with multiple rival GMs,

A Westbrook trade would not be easy, considering he’s one of the highest-paid players in the league. There aren’t many teams who’d be willing to take on that salary.

The one main team that comes to mind would be the Philadelphia 76ers, who have a huge trade piece that they are also trying to move at some point in the near future.

However, Daryl Morey has stated that he wants to get an All-Star-caliber player back in return for Ben Simmons. Someone who can grow and compete with Joel Embiid.

While Westbrook may have been an All-Star in recent seasons, those years are likely behind him. Trading Simmons away for an aging Westbrook is probably not on Morey’s itinerary.

So, while the Los Angeles Lakers may want to trade Russell Westbrook, a deal would be far too complicated to get done. They’re probably just going to have to make it work.