(Photo : Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Lakers have won their recent games, and their stars, including Russell Westbrook, have stepped up their performances. Now the fans are wondering if LA's management is still considering trading him.
A Russell Westbrook trade was anticipated by many to be made by the Lakers as the team struggled at the beginning of the 2022-2023 NBA season. However, the franchise's intentions seem to have altered in light of the team's recent performance.
Since the previous season, Westbrook has been considered as a possible player to get traded. However, the veteran's recent season's success and his $47 million contract have made it difficult to transfer him.
But things improved for the Lakers recently, as they have won seven of their past nine games. And throughout that time, Westbrook has been a key contributor to the Lakers' successful run, averaging 13.1 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.0 rebounds.
For the first time in his career, he also had back-to-back games without committing a turnover. And that happened when head coach Darvin Ham decided to give him a new role as a sixth man.
Only a few months after the Lakers struggled to part with him in the summer, the 34-year-old guard's play is said to have attracted attention from clubs throughout the league.
Will LA Trade Westbrook for Bulls' DeRozan and Vucevic?
While all of this is going on, per Westbrook is often brought up in trade speculations, as per Sporting News. ESPN's Zach Lowe said on the "Lowe Post" podcast that Los Angeles has had "inside conversations" about a possible deal with the Chicago Bulls that would include DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic.
Lowe reported that the Lakers had discussed a trade for DeRozan and Vucevic if the opportunity arises. However, he clarified that it does not mean the Lakers will pursue the Russell Westbrook trade. It is more like scanning the field for possibilities that would significantly benefit the team.
Given the Lakers' recent performance, the front management has other ideas for improving the squad sans dealing with Westbrook.
These consist of replacing Kendrick Nunn and Patrick Beverley with role players who are more suited to serve the team's needs.
Lakers Still Plan To Make Roster Changes
The fact that forward Matt Ryan was waived earlier this week suggests that vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka is getting ready for the prospect of restructuring the squad soon.
Despite missing the playoffs, the Lakers were unable to make substantial improvements heading into this season due to James' ($44.5 million), Davis' ($38 million), and Westbrook's ($47.1 million) high contracts.
Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones, Lonnie Walker IV, Dennis Schröder, and Thomas Bryant were among the mediocre players that general manager Rob Pelinka had to use to fill up the Lakers roster.
However, the Lakers are still assessing their squad. Reports mentioned that the team's next six-game road trip in the Eastern Conference could sway the head office's aggressiveness in floating their first-round selections on the trade market, according to Bleacher Report.
Upcoming challenges for Los Angeles include games against the Boston Celtics, the Philadelphia 76ers, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The Lakers will almost certainly need to attach at least one of their 2027 or 2029 first-round selections to trade for Westbrook, but it doesn't seem like they would do that until the return is substantial enough.
According to Hoops Hype, if the Lakers were able to sustain their momentum in the long run, their Big Three would remain intact. As per Kyle Goon, coach Darvin Ham "thinks all three will benefit from increased spacing." Says he sees Westbrook as "absolutely" a key part of the future." The team just needs to figure out how to further improve its defense.
Related Article: LeBron James Calls Out Media for Asking Him Kyrie Irving Questions in the Past But Mum on Jerry Jones Photo Controversy
