Following a poor first season with the Lakers, Russell Westbrook‘s days in Los Angeles looked numbered. For many, there was no way the team would keep him for the 2022-23 NBA season.
However, it turns out that the team may actually give it another shot with the former NBA MVP. Westbrook picked up his player option this offseason, and the team seems fine about running things back together.
Darvin Ham heaped praise on him from day one, Jeanie Buss also admired his availability last season, and even LeBron James supported Brodie. However, according to Shams Charania, the Lakers have seriously considered trading Westbrook to the Pacers.
NBA Rumors: Lakers considered sending Russell Westbrook to Indiana
(Via The Athletic)
“On the cusp of training camp, as media day neared and the topic of Westbrook’s uncertain future continued to dominate the conversation around the NBA, sources with direct knowledge of the negotiations say the Lakers’ key decision-makers spent several days engaged in deep conversations about the feasibility of a blockbuster trade with Indiana.
“Vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, owner Jeanie Buss and senior basketball adviser Kurt Rambis seriously considered sending Westbrook and unprotected first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to the Pacers for center Myles Turner and guard Buddy Hield, sources said.“
