Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Russell Westbrook
Washington Wizards Receive: F Kyle Kuzma, G Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, F Talen Horton-Tucker (via sign-and-trade)
Given the win-now mentality of the Lakers with their All-Star duo of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, a veteran point guard would be an ideal addition to the roster. Of course, Paul and Lowry would be better fits due their ability to knock down outside shots more efficiently. But with Los Angeles not having much money to spend, trading for a point guard is more realistic.
While Westbrook wouldn’t improve the shooting on the roster, he’s a tenacious scorer around the basket and he gives the Lakers a ball-handler that can orchestrate the offense when James isn’t on the floor.
Any trade that Los Angeles elects to do this offseason is likely going to include Kyle Kuzma. Besides his new extension helping match Westbrook’s $44.2 million salary, Kuzma gives the Wizards a 26-year-old forward that could bring versatility to their lineup.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is a wing player that can do a variety of things for a rebuilding Washington team. And to complete the deal, the Lakers conduct a sign-and-trade with Talen Horton-Tucker, who is considered one of the coveted young players on Los Angeles’ roster.
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Horton-Tucker is a restricted free agent after the Lakers extended a qualifying offer to him recently.