Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook could be traded once the unnamed player target of the Lakers becomes available. Chris Gardner/Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • The Lakers are reportedly waiting on a mystery player to become available
  • The Lakers noticeably rely only on their "Big Three"
  • Beverley and Nunn are urged to step up to help the Lakers' campaign

The Los Angeles Lakers continue to search for answers, but they have limited options.

As things stand now, the only aces they can offer in any NBA trade scenario are Russell Westbrook and their future picks.

Nothing has progressed or is set in stone. But according to NBA writer Howard Beck of Sports Illustrated, the Lakers are just waiting for a certain unnamed player to be available before a Westbrooks plus picks trade goes down.

Beck gave his take when he appeared on "The Crossover NBA Show."

With that on the table, the question right now is who that unnamed player is.

However, the sports scribe added that whoever that player is, it won't be Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets or Myles Turner and Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers.

Hence, the Lakers will have to make do with what they have right now moving forward.

LeBron James continues to carry the team on his shoulders together with Anthony Davis.

Westbrook has embraced his new role coming off the bench and has so far performed well.

But the fact remains that aside from the three, the Lakers need consistent contributions from other players.

Lonnie Walker IV is providing his fair share, while Austin Reaves and Matt Ryan have had their moments.

One player who has not exactly been felt is offseason signee Patrick Beverley.

In the eight games he has played, the 34-year-old guard has averaged only 4.6 points, four rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 27.9 minutes of action.

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Although most know Beverley to be a defensive player, his offensive contribution has been noticeably absent.

Questions are now in the air if the 6-foot-2 guard will last the entire 2022-23 NBA season with the Lakers.

Another player who has been lost in transition is Kendrick Nunn.

Initially seen as a huge addition in 2021, Nunn has been another non-factor for the purple and gold.

Nunn has played in nine games this season, norming 5.8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and one assist in 13.9 minutes of action.

Darvin Ham needs to find ways to win with what he currently has on the table.

It is a valid excuse at the moment, but it could be telling about his future as a coach with the Lakers.

Patrick Beverley
Patrick Beverley needs to do contribute on the offensive end if the Los Angeles Lakers want to start winning games. Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images
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