Lakers Rumors: Insight Into Russell Westbrook Trade Talks With Pacers & Possibility It May Still Happen
The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for the 2022-23 NBA season. They play their preseason opener against the Sacramento Kings. The Lakers tried to trade Russell Westbrook this summer, but he will start the season with the team.
The Lakers and Pacers couldn't come to an agreement on draft compensation. The Lakers considered sending the Pacers their 2027 and 2029 unprotected first-round picks until the night before Media Day.
Lakers' decision-makers spent several days discussing a potential deal for Russell Westbrook. They considered sending Westbrook and unprotected first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to the Pacers for center Myles Turner and guard Buddy Hield.
The Lakers are giving Russell Westbrook a chance to improve his play under new head coach Darvin Ham. If his performance doesn't improve, the Lakers may revisit their trade talks with the Pacers.
Russell Westbrook wasn't traded in the summer, but he could still be traded to the Lakers in coming weeks and months. The Lakers want to make the most of LeBron James' twilight years. A decision on whether to trade him will depend on his play and coach Darvin Ham's plan.
Lakers and Pacers have been discussing a possible trade for Russell Westbrook. Rob Pelinka believes the Lakers have one chance to get a deal done as they have only two first-round picks this decade.
The Lakers and Pacers discussed a potential deal involving Deandre Ayton and Turner. The Pacers wanted both of L.A.'s available first-round picks. The Grizzlies could take a 2027 or 2029 first round pick from L.,A. for two first rounds of their own.
