“If you have an opportunity to get better, no one turns that down”: LeBron James fuels rumors of a potential Russell Westbrook trade with his recent statement ahead of the trade deadline

Arjun Julka | 08/02/2022
"If you have an opportunity to get better, no one turns that down": LeBron James fuels rumors of a potential Russell Westbrook trade with his recent statement ahead of the trade deadline

NBA superstar LeBron James gives his view on the upcoming trade deadline, stating he is open to any decisions that make the Lakers better.

With the trade deadline looming in, NBA teams have the last chance to add or subtract players from their rosters. One such team is the LA Lakers, who are currently two games below +500 and the 9th seed in the western conference.

According to reports, there is a sense of urgency in the Lakers front office to make a move ahead of the deadline, considering the championship window of LeBron James closing. In his 19th year in the league, James continues to be the driving force of his team, despite having multiple-time All-Stars in Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.

However, James hasn’t been his usual self when we speak of durability. The four-time champion has missed 17-games this season so far. Like NBA veteran JJ Redick had said, this is the first time that James has looked human.

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Thus with the trade deadline being close, James told the media he is open to any decisions that make the Lakers a better team.

LeBron James fuels rumors of the LA Lakers looking for a trade.

The 2021-22 season hasn’t panned out the way the Lakers would have ideally imagined. The purple and gold team was one of the favorites to win the chip this year, currently finding itself in deep waters. Though injuries and COVID protocols have played a significant role, the roster hasn’t clicked.

One name that has been a constant when it comes to criticism surrounding the team has been Russell Westbrook. The former MVP has disappointed with his performances this year, making him the scapegoat for the Lakers nation.

With the deadline closing in, rumors of a Westbrook trade continue to make headlines. The most recent was a proposed trade with Houston Rockets that didn’t fall through, involving John Wall and a draft pick.

Recently, James addressed the media ahead of the trade deadline. The four-time Finals MVP looked open to any opportunities that made his team better.

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Knowing from past experiences, James wouldn’t hesitate to trade close friend Westbrook.

 

Post Edited By: Arjun Julka
2021-22 NBA trade deadline LA Lakers LeBron James Russell Westbrook

About the author

Arjun Julka

Arjun Julka is a NBA author at The SportsRush. Basketball isn’t just a sport for this 26-year-old, who hails from Mumbai. He began watching the sport after stumbling upon a court in his society, helping him identify an undiscovered passion for the game of hoops. Now an ardent fan, Arjun supports Stephen Curry and the Warriors but also enjoys watching Giannis Antetokounmpo own the paint. When it comes to the GOAT debate, the TSR author feels LeBron James is yet to receive a lot of his due but cannot deny marveling at Michael Jordan’s resume.

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