Russell Westbrook is the latest star to be on the NBA trade rumor list, and it looks like LeBron James and the Lakers are gaining steam with him.
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The Lakers are certainly looking to make improvements to their team after a disappointing first round exit last year. Yes, they dealt with several injuries including injuries to their top two stars: LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
However, that doesn’t mean they can’t get better. LeBron always has his GM instincts locked in, and if he, and the Lakers organization can find a way to add a third superstar, they will definitely go for it.
Supposedly, talks with Russell Westbrook and the Washington Wizards are gaining momentum.
Have heard that the Lakers have developed some traction in their pursuit of Russell Westbrook, for what it’s worth. https://t.co/LCDt2Jz9Ew
— Austin Krell (@NBAKrell) July 24, 2021
Could LeBron James And The Lakers Trade For Russell Westbrook? How Would Mr. Triple Double Help Los Angeles?
If the Lakers are looking to add another star, Westbrook certainly isn’t a bad option. He’s just coming off another year averaging a triple double, and he’d form an ideal fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
For one, LeBron could eas ea bit off his playmaking duties, and he could focus more on what he’s good at: attacking the paint and being an aggressive scorer.
Westbrook is one of the best passers in the game as evidenced by his league leading 11.8 assists per game last season. More than that, Westbrook also gives the Lakers a different look on offense.
Westbrook plays an incredibly fast-paced, high energy game, that’s dependent on his incredible athleticism and ability to push the ball down the court at a very high pace.
The Washington Wizards were the fastest offense in the league last year, with a league high pace of 104.1. That was a tremendous jump from number seven the year before when their pace was at 102.68.
The Lakers were a pretty average team when it came to playing fast year, sitting at sixteenth in the league with a pace of 98.67. Adding Westbrook will surely increase that. A faster offense will lead to more open looks for the Lakers shooters and better driving lanes for LeBron and post looks for Anthony Davis,
Westbrook isn’t the greatest shooter, so there is a chance that he could hurt the Lakers floor spacing, but LeBron and Anthony Davis can find ways to make up for that. In general, the Lakers like to play more inside anyway.
Essentially, taking a chance on Westbrook would be worth it for the Lakers. They’re a championship team and players like LeBron can adapt well to newer superstars. This is a move that Los Angeles should look to make.
