NBA Trade Rumors: 5 teams that should trade for Russell Westbrook

2. Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers seem committed to a scorched earth rebuild similar to the one that the Philadelphia 76ers are undergoing. However, Russell Westbrook would most likely welcome an opportunity to play near Hollywood, which is conveniently close to Long Beach, where Westbrook was born and raised. As mentioned earlier, it would take quite a few young players to get the Thunder to trade Russell Westbrook. The Lakers just might have enough to get him.

D’Angelo Russell would have to be a part of the trade. Russell would be a risky piece for the Thunder to add, but he has the pure talent necessary to potentially be a game-changing point guard, much like Westbrook. If the Thunder are willing to be patient with him, unlike the Lakers, Russell should thrive in Oklahoma City.

However, the Lakers might not have any motivation to trade for him. After all, they’re likely getting at least a meeting with him next offseason. But if the Lakers could get Westbrook to agree to an extension as a part of the trade, everything would work out.

The Lakers would likely have to add Brandon Ingram or Julius Randle into the trade (in addition to picks) for it to make sense, but it’s a trade that would make sense for both teams.

Next: 1. Boston Celtics