Breaking: The Los Angeles Lakers have discussed a Russell Westbrook trade with two teams.
During the off-season, the Los Angeles Lakers made many moves, including one that sent Russell Westbrook to the organization. Before the season started, it was almost a unanimous vote that the Lakers were the favourites in making it out of the Western Conference. Unfortunately, their start to the season does not reflect their prediction as they currently have a record of 16-15. While their slow start to the season is not entirely Westbrook's fault, a significant change must happen if the Lakers want to contend in the Western Conference.
The trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook may go down in history as one of the most disappointing trios in NBA history. On paper, this team should be dominating the NBA as it features three superstars to all-star calibre players. Despite Westbrook no longer being considered a superstar in the NBA, he is still one of the most talented players in the NBA today.
The Lakers have played better basketball in the last few weeks but not good enough to be titled favourites. The Golden State Warriors, Utah Jazz and Phoenix Suns have higher chances of making it to the finals than the Lakers despite having LeBron James on the roster. While it is still relatively early in the season, the Lakers are running out of time to flip their season around. If they want to finish this season as a top-three seed in the Western Conference, they cannot afford to lose any more games!
The Lakers need to make a significant change to their roster as their current rotation is not plausible. According to a report written by Kenneth Teape of NBA Analysis Network, he reveals a confirmed story by Evan Massey that the Lakers have already discussed a Russell Westbrook trade.
While no trade offer has been revealed from the two rumoured teams interested in Westbrook, the fact that the Lakers have already had "internal discussions" of trading the former MVP makes this tweet intriguing. In just 31 games, the Lakers are already willing to trade Westbrook despite not having a fully healthy roster. It is easy to blame Westbrook for the Lakers struggles as this has been a consistent theme since his last years in Oklahoma. He has been the number one person to blame in every organization he has joined since his time in Oklahoma. For instance, when Westbrook was on the Wizards, he had a horrible start to the season and Washington was removed from being considered a playoff team. However, Westbrook flipped the script of the Wizards predictions and managed to return to his MVP self by leading Washington to the playoffs. The media tends only to feature the negatives of Westbrook and rarely features the positives and the type of impact he can have on an organization. While he can be a selfish and inconsistent player at times, Westbrook can also be the main reason why his team makes the playoffs.
The Lakers' struggles this season cannot be entirely blamed by Westbrook. Anthony Davis, who has been consistently injury-prone while having the worst shooting season of his entire career, is oddly not receiving the same amount of criticism as Westbrook. Both players have had slow starts to the season, but Westbrook has shown improvement while Davis has yet to remain healthy and shoot efficiently. It is unfair that the media constantly ridicules Westbrook while a player like Davis, who is having the worst season of his career, is not receiving any criticism. Davis should receive just as much if not more to blame for the Lakers' disappointing season than Westbrook.
The Lakers need to make a significant change to their roster, and trading Westbrook might be the easiest way in doing so. However, due to his large contract and low trade value, most teams would be unable to trade for Westbrook. In Teape's report, he reveals that the Cleveland Cavaliers. Houston Rockets and Philadelphia 76ers could all financially trade for Westbrook, but it is unlikely.
Expect the Lakers to be in trade talks from now until the trade deadline. This team is dedicated to competing in the Western Conference. Unless certain players do not improve, Rob Pelinka will have no choice but to pursue replacements. There are many problems with the Lakers this season, but unfortunately, Westbrook is falsely accused as the primary reason for their early struggles. However, if trading him means that they can improve the roster, Pelinka should proceed with a Westbrook trade.
FOR MORE STORIES ON WHAT IS GOING ON IN BASKETBALL, VISIT DUNKINDHOOMA.COM, AND FOLLOW @DUNKINDHOOMA ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ALL NBA NEWS.