The Los Angeles Lakers had high hopes when they made the splash trade to form LeBron James’ next “Big 3” by acquiring former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards.
It has been an up-and-down inaugural season for Westbrook as a member of the Lakers. Part of the idea of acquiring him was to have a high-usage star to rely on when LeBron James is unable to play. That hasn’t quite translated to success and he’s struggled alongside James, too.
It won’t be easy for the Lakers to move on from Russell Westbrook given he is set to earn just under $47.1 million (assuming he exercises his player option). However, it’ll be easier to perhaps convince a team to take a chance on him given he will be in the final year of his deal in 2022-23.
The same has been said about this contract in the past, and about John Wall’s deal, Kemba Walker’s deal, and many others. Still, the Lakers would need to be willing to part with value in order to entice a potential suitor into taking his contract.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Are Lakers Stuck With Failed Russell Westbrook Experiment?
The New York Knicks currently find themselves in a situation where they are battling to make it even to the playoffs in the much-improved Eastern Conference. They are a team in need of a change in the offseason, too.
Could the New York Knicks swing a trade for Russell Westbrook? Let’s take a look at what a deal may look like in the offseason if they were to pursue one.
