The Los Angeles Lakers haven’t had many tradable assets lately. Perhaps their one real asset is Russell Westbrook.
After a disastrous first season with the team, the Southland native has turned things around this season since accepting his new role as its sixth man. His statistics aren’t that much better than last season, but he is looking for his teammates more, and he infuses L.A. with pace and energy whenever he enters a game.
A recent report said the Lakers are increasingly unlikely to trade Westbrook now that he appears to be playing better, and NBA reporter Jovan Buha reiterated as much.
Via Sports Illustrated:
“From my understanding, I think a Russ trade is probably off the table at this point,” Buha said. “In most scenarios, they would have to attach two picks.”
If the Lakers were to deal Westbrook, they would have to figure out a way to replace his production and activity off the bench and that will not be easy.
