The Los Angeles Lakers are still pondering what to do with Russell Westbrook, who with a $47.1 million contract has made himself impossible in the NBA market. According to Jovan Buha, of The Athletic, the Lakers would be obliged to trade him before September so that the player does not become a distraction during the team’s preseason.
Buha suggests the ideal thing for the Lakers would be to trade Westbrook in August to avoid questions regarding his future, his relationship with LeBron James and coach David Ham for months to come.
Sources: The Lakers, Knicks and Jazz discussed a three-team trade with Donovan Mitchell landing in New York, Patrick Beverley and another key Jazz player to the Lakers, Russell Westbrook on the move, and draft picks to Utah. More details on @hoopshype. https://t.co/AejGhQPKVK
– Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) August 5, 2022
The Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets are still in talks about a possible trade between Westbrook and Kyrie Irving, but the demands of the New York team are being very high for the Californians (one or two first-round draft picks).
The Athletic also reported this week that Ham will have more power this season to sideline Westbrook, forcing him back to his best, including starting.
The report also explains that Westbrook could also be left out of the starting lineup if he doesn’t perform as expected. With Ham, reward will be given to those who deserve it, putting aside egos in a season in which the Lakers are forced to advance to the playoffs.
