Russell Westbrook Trade Matter of When Not if as NBA Insider Admits “Inevitable” Trade Leaves Lebron James’ Lakers in Future Woes

The Los Angeles Lakers have found themselves in a dramatic situation with a terrible start to the 2022-23 season. The team has lost all four games they have played so far, with the most recent loss coming against the Denver Nuggets. Russell Westbrook missed out on the game against the Nuggets.

Moreover, the decision to bench the nine-time All-Star seems to be inevitable if his poor run of form continues, as per NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski. The ESPN expert reckoned that it might be a while before the Lakers get a real chance of carrying the inevitable Westbrook trade, leaving LeBron James and his team in future woes. 

The Los Angeles Lakers brought Russell Westbrook together with LeBron James and Anthony Davis in 2021. However, the move to create a big three failed miserably, and the Lakers finished 11th seed with a 33-49 record last season. Moreover, Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 78 appearances last season. It was the first time in over a decade that the 33-year-old averaged below 20 in a season. Thus, he received a lot of criticism from the media and fans alike.

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The Lakers’ front office tried to trade Russell Westbrook who opted for a $47.1 million player option during the offseason. The franchise was reportedly in negotiations with Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers regarding a Westbrook trade. However, a trade could not be finalized as the Lakers were unwilling to give away their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. 

NBA Insider predicts trouble for LeBron James and the Lakers

The NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski suggested that the Lakers only have all the deals they did not want to do during the offseason. Wojnarowski reckoned that teams do not get serious about making any major changes in their roster two weeks into the season. Thus, he felt that teams will not consider offering any kind of deal for Westbrook until they have played at least 20-30 games in the season.

Moreover, the ESPN expert pointed out that the Lakers have not contacted Utah and Indiana this season. The two teams were a part of negotiations regarding Westbrook’s trade during the off-season. Wojnarowski added, “And so, people are going to have to get used to a team that’s not gonna be able to make dramatic change for a while if really at all this year.”

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LeBron James and the Lakers find themselves in a tough situation involving Westbrook. They have a chance to trade Westbrook if they are willing to give away their lottery picks this season. However, the LA Lakers might have to wait a while to make the move during the season.