The Los Angeles Lakers are having a very bad start to the regular season, which puts pressure on the club’s authorities to reshuffle the roster. The Lakers have a serious problem with hitting from behind the arc and have already moved Russell Westbrook to the bench. In this way, they want to give the offensive a new flair. Despite finding a new quarterback role, CEOs of several NBA clubs believe the Lakers will replace Westbrook sooner or later.
Will Russell Westbrook join Indiana Pacers or San Antonio Spurs?
Russell Westbrook was moved to the bench for the expected result in a win over the Denver Nuggets, as the quarterback posted 18 points, eight rebounds, and assists. Despite Westbrook’s better performance, CEOs of several NBA clubs believe the Lakers will sooner or later trade the quarterback, most likely to the Indiana Pacers. Myles Turner and Buddy Hield would go the other way.
Once again the trade talks involving Russell Westbrook have begun with San Antonio Spurs. Will Lakers take this deal?@Lakers @NBA @russwest44 @spurs #NBA #LakeShow #Spurs #Westbrook #Trade pic.twitter.com/5ZPZrLsv8a
— FirstSportz NBA (@FS_NBA1) January 24, 2023
The deal will go through if the Los Angeles Lakers decide to give up two picks in the draft – in 2027 and 2029. Westbrook’s better performance will not matter. The Lakers and Pacers have discussed such a trade in the past, but Lakers officials have refused to trade both drafts picks each time. There is a good chance that the Pacers will want to deal with the Lakers also because Turner will be an unrestricted free agent next year, and there is no guarantee that he will want to stay in Indianapolis and the club will lose him for free.
Russell Westbrook's new favorite reporter 🤣 pic.twitter.com/8OuXk6rMxO
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) January 25, 2023
Which Russell Westbrook deal is more possible?
Turner talked about a possible trade on the “The Woj Pod” podcast.
“If I were the Lakers, I would look very closely at a transfer like that, given the situation they are in. I know exactly what I can provide for the team. Another aspect is playing with such an outstanding figure as LeBron James. He requires a certain degree of prominence at this stage of his career. Once you’re on the court, you have to give it your all. You have to live up to the legacy that the Lakers have built”
Turner played just three games this season, averaging 13 points, seven rebounds, and 3.7 blocks. The arrival of Turner and Hield would give the Lakers a lot more attacking options. However, the club must decide whether to sacrifice future draft picks to improve the current squad. The other team principals believe Rob Pelinka will do something to surround LeBron James and Anthony Davis with better players.
