Only a little time is left in the trade window before NBA 2022 season kicks off, and the teams are finalizing their squads. Meanwhile, for L.A. Lakers, the Russell Westbrook conundrum is still a matter of headache. The team spent the majority of their summer trying to trade Russell, but they have had little success. Previously, the team tried to trade Westbrook to the Pacers in exchange for the duo of Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. But what’s the latest update on the matter?
Russell Westbrook Trade Finally Canceled?
The Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers have been actively communicating. The discussions involved a hypothetical deal that would send Russell Westbrook and a portion of Indiana’s future draft picks to Oklahoma City in exchange for centers Myles Turner and Buddy Hield and shooting guard Westbrook.
The Lakers and Pacers have discussed dealing Westbrook in exchange for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner. Indiana is rumored to have demanded that L.A.’s 2027 and 2029 first-round selections be included in the transaction. That might have led to the complication in the deal between the two teams. Chad Buchanan, general manager of the Pacers, stated that the team anticipates Turner to begin the 2022–2023 season in Indiana. This suggests that the talks with the Lakers are concluded.
To remove Westbrook’s $47.1 million contract off the books, the Lakers have consistently refused to give up their coveted first-round selections. They insisted that if the transaction was beneficial to them, they would only include both first-round picks. Although L.A. was interested in Bojan Bogdanovic, it is also believed that this is the reason why they haven’t been able to reach an agreement with the Utah Jazz.
Lakers’ Westbrook Aiming To Be A Better Shooter!
Many people have held on to Russell Westbrook needing to improve his jumper as the biggest criticism of his play last season. Meanwhile, it is evident that the point guard is committed to making himself a better shooter to help his team.
The internet has recently been flooded with practice videos of Russell Westbrook honing his 3-point shooting. Viewers can see from the films how committed Russ was to developing his shot before the season started. After spending most of the summer vacation the subject of trade speculations, Russell Westbrook has been putting in a lot of effort this offseason. In exchange for Kyrie Irving, Westbrook was first connected to the Brooklyn Nets. From there, it spread to other clubs, including the Indiana Pacers, Charlotte Hornets, and the Utah Jazz right now.
Westbrook has been seen working out frequently this summer, especially honing his jump shot. Another video of Westbrook making a range of 3-pointers has been circulated. Suggesting that he could be prepared to offer the Lakers the much-needed floor space.