Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook has been the focus of plenty of trade speculation. Owed $47 million next NBA season despite a disappointing season, many are expecting the Lakers to attempt to move Westbrook in a trade.
The Athletic’s Bill Oram had a bleak outlook to share on the possibility of a trade materializing with the Indiana Pacers. Rumors have pointed to Indiana as a potential trade partner, but insider Bill Oram expressed skepticism.
“If it’s not Malcolm Brogdon and Buddy Hield from Indiana — the Laker fan favorite that seems too good to be plausibly true — then it’s hard to know what deals might actually present themselves,” Oram said.
Reports have frequently listed Malcolm Brogdon as a potential trade chip for Indiana this offseason. Hield, recently acquired by Indiana, was almost part of a Kings-Lakers trade last summer. Oram, though, doubts the Lakers will be able to get both for Westbrook.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 4 Bold Offseason Trade Ideas For Los Angeles Lakers
Russell Westbrook posted respectable volume stats this season but had one of his worst years efficiency-wise. Under contract for $47 million next season, Westbrook is on one of the NBA’s worst contracts. Many are doubting whether the Lakers could acquire anything in exchange for Westbrook.
The Indiana Pacers are a team many expect to make a move this offseason. After acquiring Tyrese Halliburton along with Hield this season, the Pacers have a surplus of guards, and could look to move one. The team recently expressed its interest in keeping center Myles Turner for the long-term.
If Los Angeles is able to find a trade partner for Westbrook, it is unlikely to be the Pacers according to Oram. Despite the Indiana Pacers’ high probability of making a move themselves, Los Angeles will likely need to look elsewhere.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: 4 Bold Offseason Trade Ideas For Los Angeles Lakers
Los Angeles has limited draft capital to attach to Russell Westbrook via trade, which will make things even more difficult. Should a trade materialize, Lakers fans should be prepared for the return to be smaller than expected.
