Chris Broussard outlines major problem trading Russell Westbrook: “I’m not trading Russell Westbrook, unless it’s a no brainer”
LA Lakers veteran Russell Westbrook has become a popular name in trade speculation around the NBA. In the first weeks of the 2022-23 season, it seemed as if Westbrook was a sure bet to be on the move.
The idea has calmed down due to Westbrook's impressive play this year. After a slow start to the season, Lakers head coach Darvin Ham made a bold decision. He would move Westbrook to the bench, a move that drew plenty of skepticism around the NBA.
Acting as the team's "sixth man," Westbrook has finally started to find his groove. Coming off the bench, Westbrook is averaging 15.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game. His confidence is starting to return and Westbrook's play has been part of the reason for the Lakers' strong stretch of performances.
With the NBA's trade deadline inching closer, some aren't so sure that trading Westbrook is a smart decision. Speaking recently on "First Things First," analyst Chris Broussard said that he wouldn't trade Westbrook "unless it's a no-brainer."
"If you're the Lakers you have to think about not just this year. LeBron &AD are there for the next few years. You have to make a trade for this season & the future. I wouldn't trade Russell Westbrook — unless it's a no-brainer." —
"If you're the Lakers you have to think about not just this year. LeBron &AD are there for the next few years. You have to make a trade for this season & the future. I wouldn't trade Russell Westbrook — unless it's a no-brainer." — @Chris_Broussard https://t.co/2KRzof0Aja
Russell Westbrook and the LA Lakers look to keep afloat in the Western Conference
Russell Westbrook and the LA Lakers are battling to generate some momentum in the Western Conference standings. After a disastrous start to the season, the Lakers found themselves at 2-10.
Since then, the Lakers have started to show signs of hope. The team currently finds itself at 13-17 after Monday night's loss to the Phoenix Suns. If the Lakers are going to make a run at the playoffs, they are going to need consistency. That's just what Russell Westbrook has given the team since his move to the bench.
Russell Westbrook is the first Laker in franchise history with multiple triple-doubles off the bench!
He's also averaging 13.9 PTS, 8.8 AST, 8.3 REB off the bench this month
https://t.co/is40fIe73I
The Lakers will have plenty of obstacles to overcome. One of the biggest involves the recent injury to superstar Anthony Davis. The versatile player was having one of his best seasons yet as a member of the Lakers. Davis is set to be out for at least a month with a foot injury.
That means Westbrook and basketball icon LeBron James will have to do the heavy lifting for now. Los Angeles is in desperate need of some added depth on their roster. With the NBA trade deadline just around the corner, it seems as if Westbrook might be better off staying with the Lakers.