Lakers trade rumors: LeBron could push for Russell Westbrook-John Wall swap

The Los Angeles Lakers may not be pushing for a Russell Westbrook trade but one could come if LeBron James wants John Wall badly enough.

There was always a chance the Lakers and Russell Westbrook marriage would not work out. At this point, it’s certainly looking like it.

The question for Los Angeles is how far they’re willing to go to make a change?

According to Bleacher Report, it all comes down to LeBron James and who he’d rather play with: Westbrook or John Wall.

LeBron James could push Lakers to trade Russell Westbrook for John Wall

BR reported that the Lakers are unlikely to trade Westbrook at this point. However, it’s not outside the realm of possibility.

“If LeBron James decides that fellow Klutch Sports client John Wall could be a better fit and is willing to push extremely hard for Westbrook’s exit, the Lakers might consider a deal with the Houston Rockets,” Eric Pincus wrote.

Wall averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists last season for Houston. However, he hasn’t appeared this season with the Rockets going all-in on their rebuild while developing Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr.

A trade would put Wall back on the court but it would also require the Lakers to admit that the huge trade they made to land Westbrook was a big mistake. They’d have to commit even more assets to correct it.

Westbrook has averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 7.6 assists in 55 games in Los Angeles but his stat-sheet stuffing and turnovers haven’t helped the Lakers be particularly competitive in the Western Conference.

While injuries have certainly played a role in the team’s struggles, the chemistry and makeup of the team feels off.

James is 37 years old and the window for him to bring another championship to LA is narrow. Trading for Wall would be a statement of intent but it also could be too little too late.