With all signs currently pointing to Russell Westbrook returning to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2022-23 NBA season, the front office must do what it takes to help him fit in. Perhaps that could entail targeting players that have previously played alongside the former MVP to bring in some familiarity and simultaneously strengthen the roster.
There will be no shortage of recognizable names with ties to Westbrook to pursue via free agency this coming offseason, given that he has teammates from stops with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers that will be on the market. With that being said, let us look at three targets for LA to pursue that have previously played alongside Westbrook.
3 Los Angeles Lakers free agent targets with ties to Russell Westbrook: Serge Ibaka
Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka spent a significant portion of their respective careers playing alongside one another with the OKC Thunder in the early 2010s. The pair were a quality tandem, and reuniting them all these years later would be a justifiable move for the Los Angles Lakers, as Ibaka could help patch up several gaping holes currently looming over their roster.
First and foremost, adding Ibaka would immediately help bolster LA’s subpar defense, especially close to the hoop. Due to his phenomenal interior defense, Ibaka has earned three All-Defensive selections and has been the NBA’s Block Champion twice throughout his 13-year playing career.
Although Ibaka may not be the player he once was, he could certainly still help LA. The Lakers gave up 51.5 points in the paint per game during the regular season in 2021-22, which was tied for the second-most in the entire league. Bringing in Ibaka to the roster would help lessen that concern heading into next season, given that he has made a living in the league protecting the rim. Even at 32 years old and coming off some injuries, Ibaka certainly still has some gas left in the tank to help a contender out.
It will be interesting to see how things play out for Ibaka in free agency. Though he is a household name, Ibaka’s financial value is rather clouded at this point after he spent the latter portion of this past season glued to the bench of the Milwaukee Bucks, having scarcely played.
The big man will have suitors looking to fortify their center position, but he will likely be looking for a destination where he will play a legitimate role, unlike he did in Milwaukee, which could make Los Angeles one franchise worth considering.
Whether it be as the starting center or potentially a backup, Ibaka would see reasonable playing time for the Lakers due to his strong defense, and although they will not be able to blow him away with any financial offer, LA should have their eyes on him.
3 Los Angeles Lakers free agent targets with ties to Russell Westbrook: Victor Oladipo
Russell Westbrook and Victor Oladipo shared the backcourt with the OKC Thunder for one season before they ultimately split up. The pairing had potential that was never truly unearthed, and while the circumstances are far different all these years later, perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers could look to reunite the former All-Stars to bulk up their backcourt in free agency this offseason.
Oladipo may not be the All-NBA caliber player he once was due to several brutal injuries in recent memory, but he proved this past season that he could still help in the right role. The guard found a spot in the Miami Heat’s rotation late in the year due to his relentless defense, which earned him significant playing time in the postseason.
The Lakers need a player that can come in and provide a spark on the defensive side of the basketball, and Oladipo could undoubtedly help in that regard. That goes without mentioning what he could bring to the table offensively, as the guard has put up 17.4 points per game for his career thus far.
While his scoring is more of a wild card, as injuries may have robbed him of some of that ability, the potential is there for him to be a great fit on that side of the basketball as well, alleviating pressure off of LeBron James and others.
As for Oladipo’s impending free agency, it will be a fascinating situation. Although it would make sense for him to return to the Heat next year, an anonymous general manager told Heavy.com’s Sean Deveney that it appears Oladipo is not likely to return to Miami, but he is still looking at a “minimum, make-good contract next year.”
If the 30-year-old guard is looking to prove himself on a contender to try and raise his stock, the Lakers could be the perfect destination for him this offseason, as there would be a role waiting for him in LA. On a “prove it” deal, Oladipo would be a low-risk, high-reward target for the Lakers, and they should look to add the household name if he is within their price range in NBA free agency.
3 Los Angeles Lakers free agent targets with ties to Russell Westbrook: PJ Tucker
Russell Westbrook’s time alongside PJ Tucker with the Houston Rockets was short-lived, but it was quite the experiment. Now, with Tucker opting to enter free agency this offseason, there is a pathway for the Los Angeles Lakers to reunite the two, which should certainly be enticing for the front office, given that Tucker will be among the most desirable free agents on the open market.
Every contender team needs a player like Tucker. The forward has managed to stick around in the NBA for over a decade now due to his sheer intensity, competitive drive, and defensive approach.
Tucker would be a significant addition to this LA roster, giving them a reputable defender that can defend the opposing team’s top scorer at a high level on a nightly basis. Although Tucker is more well-known for his defense, the 37-year-old veteran has cemented himself as one of the best corner three-point shooters in league history and just had the most efficient shooting season of his career by knocking down 41.5 percent of his total triples. Tucker’s sweet long-distance shooting would help the Lakers check off another box on their offseason to-do list.
Though Tucker would be a perfect fit in Los Angeles, things get somewhat tricky when assessing the financial aspect. Despite Tucker recently turning 37, The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey reported earlier this week that the Philadelphia 76ers intend to offer the champion a three-year deal worth $30 million in NBA free agency.
If so, that offer would likely eliminate the Lakers and a handful of other teams looking to pursue Tucker this offseason, as there would be very few other front offices willing to outbid that. Still, that should not stop the Lakers from at least kicking the tires on Tucker, as he could be just what LA desperately needs right now.