Once a perennial trade candidate, Russ Westbrook has emerged as a key contributor to the Lakers’ bench.
The Lakers are apparently reconsidering their strategy regarding Russell Westbrook
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The Lakers may be able to trade Russ before the deadline, as noted by NBA insider Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report.
Pincus writes “While coach Darvin Ham has found a viable role for Westbrook off the bench, the franchise does have concerns about his playoff viability, per multiple sources,”
Credit must also go to Westbrook’s first-year coach, Darvin Ham, for helping him transition into a new role and, perhaps more importantly, for getting Russ to buy into that transition.
However, there is reportedly one major worry about the nine-time All-Star in LA, which could lead to his departure from Hollywood.
Russ’s recent success with the Lakers may make him more desirable to other teams in search of a trade piece.
The fact remains, however, that his massive contract is the biggest obstacle to any potential trade. It’s also likely that Los Angeles will have to part with some trade capital and maybe even a couple of their younger players in order to find a suitable trade partner for Westbrook.
The Lakers need to decide right now whether they are fully committed to Russell Westbrook or not.
