Lakers Rumors: What's Next For Russell Westbrook After Patrick Beverley Trade?
The Los Angeles Lakers' trade for Patrick Beverley has ignited speculation that the team could be planning to make another deal in the near future. Russell Westbrook, specifically, would be a logical casualty of the latest Lakers' trade.
Westbrook has been at the center of trade rumors since last season as the Lakers have reportedly tried and failed to move the point guard for months. However, now that Los Angeles has brought in another point guard, some are taking it as a sign that the Lakers might believe that they finally have a taker lined up for Westbrook.
First, there's the history between Beverley and Westbrook. The two veterans haven't been shy about expressing their dislike for one another. Their rivalry stems back all the way to 2013 when Beverley collided with Westbrook in the playoffs, causing a season-ending knee injury.
Beverley is a logical candidate to replace Westbrook's minutes. As an above-average defender who makes three-pointers, Beverley is a much better fit next to LeBron James than the ball-dominant Westbrook.
Beverley is a three-time All-Defense selection and a career 37.8% three-point shooter.
In the trade for Beverley, the Lakers agreed to send Talen Horton-Tucker and Stanley Johnson to the Utah Jazz. The trade opens up a roster spot, one that Los Angeles could potentially use to fill in a Westbrook trade.
The Lakers have reportedly discussed a Westbrook trade with the Indiana Pacers throughout the summer. Los Angeles would receive Myles Turner and Buddy Hield in the potential deal.
The trade reportedly reached an impasse earlier this summer because of proposed draft compensation. The Pacers seem to want two first-round picks for the trade to get done.
Does the Beverley trade indicate that the Lakers are now willing to part with their 2027 and 2029 first-rounders in order to get off Westbrook's contract?
The Lakers were reportedly ready to trade both draft picks and Westbrook in exchange for Kyrie Irving. Los Angeles' hope of acquiring Irving for the 2022-2023 NBA season likely died when the Brooklyn Nets announced that they would be moving forward with Kevin Durant as part of the team.
Los Angeles may be prepared to make another move, but not one that includes Westbrook. The Lakers have reportedly considered signing Dennis Schroder, who was the team's starting point guard two seasons ago.
Westbrook has one year and $47.1 million left on his contract. Stephen Curry is the only NBA player who has a higher salary than Westbrook next season.
The Lakers missed the 2022 playoffs with a 33-49 record.
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