3 Ripple effects of the blockbuster Kyrie Irving trade on the Lakers

For the time being, Russell Westbrook is still a Laker.

One player who must feel fortunate that the Irving trade fell through is Russell Westbrook. Westbrook has had a tumultuous time in Los Angeles but has embraced his new role and played better this season. Still, once it became known that Irving had requested a trade, it seemed almost inevitable that Westbrook would be headed to Brooklyn.

But obviously, that didn’t happen, and Westbrook’s status for the rest of the season is very much up in the air. After flirting with trading both of their first-round picks, the Lakers may instead opt for a smaller deal that includes Patrick Beverley and only one of their remaining first-round selections.

That sort of deal could be preferable to the Lakers front office. Then again, it could continue to alienate James, who has pushed the team to make a big trade to maximize their title chances.

Whether Westbrook is ultimately traded or instead plays out the rest of the season with the team, it seems like this is his final year in Los Angeles.

After all, his $47 million contract expires after this season, and he could find a similar role elsewhere without having to worry about being abruptly traded. With just days remaining until the trade deadline, we won’t have to wait long to find out Westbrook’s fate.