The Los Angeles Lakers are in the middle of making a big decision that would decide the course of the season. It is a decision to make a move in the market before reaching the trade deadline. And apparently, LA\’s administration is discussing the terms and conditions for Russell Westbrook\’s trade to Utah Jazz. But the Lakers superstar has been doing well in his recent stint with the team to lead their second unit. However, the team still lies somewhere in the bottom half of the table, which compromises the postseason.
In order for the Lakers to qualify for the playoffs, they will have to rank in the top 10 of the Western Conference. And LA has bounced up and down throughout the whole season but never appeared in the top 10. So if Hollywood wishes to make the best out of this season, it will definitely need better roster construction in the league. And the rumors running around the NBA suggest Mike Conley from Utah is a point of interest for the front office. But reports also suggest that the Lakers are knocking on every gate they could get a fair trade.
Are The Lakers Desperate To Get Rid Of Russell Westbrook?
Hollywood has yet to do it right since they won the championship title last time in 2020. In 2021 they were kicked out without appearing in the postseason, landing in the eighth position on the table. This time half the season has passed by, and they are not even in the top 10. So in order to make the second half of the season pleasant, LA will need to make some desperate changes. Until now, the Lakers kept delaying their decisions to make trade month after month to finally bring on Rui Hachimura. However, experts suggest that the 2020 champs will need more quality players to increase their chances for the playoffs.
The NBA teams are reportedly looking for Russell Westbrook along with the Lakers first-round picks tagged. And the front office wants to keep their picks in order to preserve their future seasons. However, it will be a waste of Lakers superstar LeBron James who is playfully extending his last few years. The 38-year-old is playing like a young athlete and mesmerizing his fans and haters around the globe. Many people interpret that Hollywood will disrespect James if they let go of the season of his prime.
The Lakers were a bad shooting team from the star, as the man himself, LeBron James, admitted. When the season began, the team was doing decent in the offense but came under the worst defensive team. Therefore the Lakers also have their eyes set on Bojan Bogdanovic, as per Haynes reports. Another move that could land Westbrook with the Nets is Kyrie Irving\’s move to the Lakers. This would reunite the two stars Kevin Durant and Westbrook for the Nets and Irving with LeBron James.