USA Today via Reuters
Nov 18, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) moves the ball up court against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 18, 2022; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) moves the ball up court against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
The trade deadline is only about two weeks away and the Los Angeles Lakers are yet to make a move. Given the average performance put up by the Lakers to date, fans have been demanding a blockbuster trade that could strengthen their roster. The probability of any such deal taking place lessened when it was reported that owner Jeanie Buss was not keen about trading their two future first-picks away. However, according to new reports, this might not be the case anymore.
The Los Angeles Lakers are currently in one of their worst seasons. They have won no more than 22 games out of the 47 played to date. This has dropped them to the 12th position in the Western Conference with little to no chance of making it to the playoffs.
The Lakers might trade Russell Westbrook
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One of the most talked about ideal trade deals for the Los Angeles Lakers involved Russell Westbrook. However, the Lakers needed to include more in the package if they wanted to build a stronger roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This meant that they would need to include their 2027 and 2029 first-round pick, something that Jeanie Buss was reportedly not on board with. Although, now it seems like the Lakers have come up with a different deal that might not include the first-round picks.
Trade talks between the Spurs and the Lakers that involve Russell Westbrook are ‘still alive,’ per https://t.co/8b2v38gb0U
The Lakers are interested in Jakob Poeltl, Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott. pic.twitter.com/PTwFhNeBmM
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) January 23, 2023
According to LJ Ellis of SpursTalk, an insider from the Lakers has revealed that the Russell Westbrook trade discussions are still on-going. The team is reportedly in talks with the San Antonio Spurs regarding available trade deals and it includes possibly acquiring Jakob Poeltl, Josh Richardson, and Doug McDermott.
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“Those talks have been on the back burner for a couple months but I?ve been told that both the Lakers and Spurs remain open to the possibility depending on how the next two weeks play out prior to the trade deadline,” informed Ellis.
Since the news was reported, NBA fans have been debating over the trade deal due to a clash of opinions. While some felt that trading Russ would benefit the team, others believed that he could still be a great asset on the roster. Below are a few of the tweets.
Horrible trade in my opinion…Russ has stepped his game up after being dragged through the mud
— @IWannaQuitMyJobSoBad (@ropeuhdope2) January 23, 2023
Nah, I’d keep Russ if that’s the best they can do.
— Tim Cooper, Sr. (@TimCooperSr) January 23, 2023
So let’s trade the guy that showed up the other night against Memphis when Lebron shit the bed ? That’s a great idea
— Isaiahmonroe23 (@IsaiahMonroe23) January 23, 2023
how bout the most recent game? 3/13 3 turnovers? while bron had 37/11/4? lol? he’s a spark plug and valuable for sure but there’s no consistency
— IMa (@YRM_IMa) January 23, 2023
if this is the best offer the lakers get, i think they should take it. schroder and nunn have both looked formidable in recent games. richardson, dougie and poeltl would all help tremndously in AD, reaves and lonnie’s absence. plus they’re all good pieces. lakers do need shooting
— Walnuts (@Walnut_Bets) January 23, 2023
NOOOOOO DONT WANT THOSE SCRUBS
— RUI FANATIC (@therealselena23) January 23, 2023
Josh Richardson, Doug McDermott… you have got to be kidding me. If you trade Russ for that. You truly don’t care about winning.
— -v- (@mistakenmindss) January 23, 2023
Jakob Poeltl is a great move. Move AD to the 4 like he wants and keep Poeltl at the 5 but the rest suck no offense to spurs fans, but they don’t add anything to the Lakers. the Pacers trade rumor is way better than this.
— ArmyAnts32 (@AAnts32) January 23, 2023
Not a big Westbrook fan, but he’s been scoring 20+ past few games if we trade him it better be for Myles Turner and Hield 100% now, nothing less.
— hi (@NotJT2Lit) January 23, 2023
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Jeanie Buss will not give up their future picks
Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss is not on board with trading their two future first-round picks and fans are not happy about it. There is no doubt that the Lakers need to rebuild their roster if they want to have a fighting chance of making it to the playoffs or have a smoother run the next season. But a Western Conference executive has revealed that Buss is more focused on the Lakers’ future rather than the present.
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“You?ve got a lot of the organization saying, ?We should trade picks and win now,? but some in the organization are saying, ?Do not sell out the future.? And Jeanie Buss is with the second group, and that is what matters most,” the executive shared.
