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Lakers will not use first-round draft pick to trade Russell Westbrook

James Foglio Sports Editor

Updated07 Aug 2024

According to multiple sources, the Los Angeles Lakers have no plans to give up a first-round draft pick to trade Russell Westbrook. Per Jovan Buha of The Athletic, teams have been inquiring for Westbrook, and the interested general managers are also seeking a minimum of one first-round draft pick as well. However, the Lakers front office will not let it happen.

“Teams have been demanding the inclusion of at least one first-round first to take on Westbrook’s massive expiring contract, according to league sources,” said Buha. “As of now, they have no intention of using a first-round pick to facilitate a Westbrook trade, according to league sources.”

“And it’s not merely a bluff or tactic to try to regain leverage in trade talks. That may be an ancillary motive, sure, but per league sources, there is a sentiment among some within the franchise that the right coach and better supporting cast could smooth over Westbrook’s awkward fit with James and Davis.”

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Teams have been demanding the inclusion of at least one first-round pick to take on Russell Westbrook, sources tell @jovanbuha.

What should the Lakers do?https://t.co/7GiMR8otNE pic.twitter.com/ELoxxH2wrX

— The Athletic NBA (@TheAthleticNBA) May 25, 2022

Furthermore, Buha’s report makes sense. The Lakers are currently searching for a new head coach. Their available coaching candidates list includes Darvin Ham, Terry Stotts and Kenny Atkinson. Ham is the frontrunner for the position. Not to mention, a few reports suggested that Los Angeles would attempt to steal Doc Rivers away from Philadelphia.

Plus, a trade for a coach could happen. In 2013, Rivers was traded by the Celtics to the Clippers. Likewise, Stan Van Gundy was traded by the Heat to the Magic in 2007. However, considering the Lakers are refusing to surrender a first-round draft pick to trade Westbrook, the front office would probably decline any other trade if forced to give up a first for Rivers. Just a thought.

The Lakers, Russell Westbrook and his expensive contract

Additionally, the main problem with trading Russell Westbrook is his salary. The nine-time All-Star’s player option for the 2022-23 season is $47,063,478. This is why teams are asking for at least one first-round draft pick in return. A team that trades for the triple-double king would have to settle for rookie and minimum-salary contracts in order to afford Westbrook’s hefty salary.

Even if the Lakers find a competent coach, some could argue that LeBron James is the team’s true player-coach-general manager. He has more than a say when it comes to personnel decisions. Besides, how will a new head coach help improve the chemistry between James, Westbrook and Davis? That’s the question G.M. Rob Pelinka should ask himself.

In the 2021-22 regular season, Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game. It was his lowest offensive production scoring-wise since the 2009-10 season, when he averaged 16.1 points per game. While his scoring performance dropped off with the Wizards, at least he averaged a career-high 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game. Quite a few fans can’t see the Lakers winning a championship with Westbrook.