LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a veteran point guard for next season to get back to the NBA championship. One of those point guards the 2019-20 champions have discussed is Washington Wizards triple-double machine and Los Angeles native Russell Westbrook.
In addition to having their sights set on James’ close fried Chris Paul, the Lakers have identified Westbrook as a candidate for a sign-and-trade, according to Marcus J. Spears of The Undefeated.
According to sources, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers have been on the hunt for veteran point guard, and Paul is on the list. There have also been talks about Washington Wizards star Russell Westbrook being a potential candidate to move back home to Los Angeles in a sign-and-trade deal that could include free agent point guard Dennis Schroder, forward Kyle Kuzma and guard Talen Horton-Tucker, sources said.
Such an offer depends on the direction the Wizards are headed. They just named Wes Unseld Jr. their next head coach. A legacy hire being his late father Wes Unseld is a marveled franchise legend as a player, coach, and general manager. The Wizards brass have insisted they’re looking to build around Bradley Beal and not rebuild.
However, Beal has a player option after the 2021-22 season. So does Westbrook, who just set the NBA’s all-time record for triple-doubles. Westbrook, a 2017 NBA MVP, is looking to contend at the age of 32.
The franchise’s direction appears to hinge on Beal’s intentions. He has publicly said all the right things about staying with the franchise that drafted him third overall in 2012. But the team’s inability to contend in recent years, may change his opinion.
There has yet to be any indication Westbrook wants out of Washington. But one has to wonder would he be willing to play a wait-and-see season with Beal? Would the Wizards be willing to lose out on marquee name like Westbrook next summer if he chose to opt out?
The other portion of the report is what the Lakers are willing to give up. The 20-year old guard Talen Horton-Tucker is the most intriguing part. However, there are hurdles with the other two names.
Kyle Kuzma has been an underachiever in his four seasons in the NBA. Dennis Schroder is an unrestricted free agent this offseason, which is why it would have to be a sign-and-trade if he is involved in any deal.
While he has been a Sixth Man of the Year candidate, Schroder struggled this season as a starter for the Lakers. His contract situation also could be deterring. He reportedly turned down an offer during the season from the Lakers and is seeking a $100 million deal.
Even if the Wizards were looking for relief to get out of Westbrook’s remaining two years and $91.2 million, would they want to take on $100 million for Schroder?
