It looks like Russell Westbrook is on the move once again. Reports have emerged that the Washington Wizards are working with the Los Angeles Lakers to move the nine-time All-Star guard to Staples Center.
NBA insider Shams Charania first reported that the two sides are working on a deal. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski soon released a follow-up report, noting that the Lakers are ready to move Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a 2021 first-round pick to get him.
Westbrook spent his first 11 NBA seasons with the Oklahoma City Thunder before being traded to the Houston Rockets in 2019. After one year in Houston, he was traded to the Washington Wizards.
As for the Lakers, they’re coming off a disappointing 2020-21 season that ended with a loss in the first round of the playoffs to the Phoenix Suns. Many believe that they’re one superstar away from returning to the NBA Finals.
This move indicates that the Lakers agree, and Lakers fans believe so too:
Now we’re talking. Let’s go Shams! #NBADraft https://t.co/hKXNaHgEo7
— Rick Kamla (@RickKamlaSports) July 29, 2021
Bruhhhhhhhh https://t.co/hhSOJ4ihEG
— Cameron Magruder (@ScooterMagruder) July 29, 2021
Yes lord ! https://t.co/SEufQveSgD
— Charles Omenihu (@charless_94) July 29, 2021
And so it begins https://t.co/s9O7a4zorz
— Doug Smith: Raptors (@SmithRaps) July 29, 2021
As for the Washington Wizards, a package with these players could give new head coach Wes Unseld Jr. key pieces to help rebuild the team.
Westbrook played a huge factor in Washington reaching the playoffs this past year, but they need more than just him to find sustained success.
If this deal goes through, the Los Angeles Lakers will likely be the obvious winners in the short term. Long term, this may be absolutely huge for the Wizards.
Who do you think will win this trade if it happens?
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