via Imago
Dec 9, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to his three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
via Imago
Dec 9, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) reacts to his three pointer against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
As the NBA trade deadline closes in, many teams are looking to shake up their roster in order to make a deep playoff run. The Los Angeles Lakers have been a common name among teams that are looking for a trade this season. The Brooklyn Nets have also joined the discussion after Kyrie Irving requested a trade from the franchise. Another team that is looking to shed some weight is the Miami Heat as they look to trade away veteran point guard, Kyle Lowry.
According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers offered a swap deal with the Miami Heat, offering Russell Westbrook in exchange for Kyle Lowry. However, the Heat reportedly displayed little to no interest in the player swap. Notably, the Miami Heat offered Lowry a huge three-year, $85 million deal back in 2021.
Fans react to potential Russell Westbrook trade
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After Kyrie Irving requested a trade out of Brooklyn, teams have been looking to make cap space in the hopes of luring the eight-time All-Star to their franchise.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 20, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Miami Heat guard Kyle Lowry (7) controls the ball during the first half against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Fans on the other hand did not hold back as to why the Heat declined the player swap. One fan tweeted, “This is them trying their best to say they want Kyrie but the odds don’t look too good boys.”
Here are a few more reactions from NBA Twitter:
This is them trying their best to say they want Kyrie but the odds don’t look too good boyshttps://t.co/AOS213PV64 pic.twitter.com/zVpL4yo0OB
— Allenownz (@Allenownz) February 4, 2023
Sounds like Miami has little interest in adding an actually decent point guard to their team…Kyle Lowry just ain’t it anymore
— 𝕊𝕡𝕖𝕔𝕚𝕒𝕝✨𝕂✨ (@Its_Kikiforreal) February 4, 2023
LA has even less interest in that swap lol
— Gimme The Rock (@MeechieJacobs) February 4, 2023
Ya bc we’re trading him for Kyrie
— Ashhan (@AshhanKashif) February 4, 2023
Lmao and why would the Lakers be interested in Lowry??
— Don Polo (@Leo_Tzar) February 4, 2023
If I were LA, I'd have littler interest in Lowry. Injuries are a concern, his defensive play has diminished, and his offensive output is declining.
— Michael Brumagin (@MBrumagin) February 4, 2023
A lot of fans in the comments section pointed out how Lowry is way past his prime. Also, the deal would possibly not benefit the Lakers as Westbrook has been playing at a much higher level than Lowry this season.
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Is a Westbrook-Lowry swap feasible?
Teams around the league are in shambles as the trade deadline fast approaches, and they look to do everything in their power to attract Kyrie Irving. Regardless of where Irving gets traded to, the Westbrook-Lowry deal had both advantages and disadvantages.
Watch This Story – Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and other offseason trades that have proved to be a blessing in disguise
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One of the biggest problem areas for the Lakers has been its three-point shooting. Bringing Lowry over likely would change that, but questions would remain over giving up Westbrook for the 36-year-old All-Star.
Where do you think Kyrie Irving will end up? Let us know what you think in the comments section down below.
