LA Lakers Rumors Roundup: Russell Westbrook gaining interest due to sixth man role, Lakers work out two free agents to bolster depth, and more | November 12, 2022
Russell Westbrook is thriving as the sixth man for the LA Lakers, despite their disappointing record to start the season. Westbrook's current performances off the bench are attracting teams that might be interested in acquiring him.
Meanwhile, the Lakers worked out two free agents to bolster their depth. LeBron James' injury has the team's bench running thin. James is currently nursing a strained left adductor and a sore left foot.
Here is the latest LA Lakers rumors roundup for Nov. 12 brought to you by Sportskeeda.
Russell Westbrook gaining interest due to sixth man role
Russell Westbrook is averaging 18.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 7.6 assists and 1.0 steals off the bench this season. Westbrook is also shooting 47.3% from the field, including a surprising 45.7% from beyond the arc. The former MVP has thrived as the Lakers' sixth man, and his trade value might increase.
According to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report, the Lakers are receiving calls from teams interested in Westbrook. Citing his sources, Haynes explained that trade talks are not currently serious. But if Westbrook continues to play great off the bench, the Lakers might receive a respectable haul.
The Lakers are now 2-10 to start the season, after losing to the Sacramento Kings on Friday. People cannot blame Westbrook anymore because of his recent performances.
LA Lakers work out two free agents to bolster depth
The LA Lakers recently worked out a couple of veterans to possibly bolster their depth, as per Shams Charania of The Athletic. Charania explained on "The Rally" that the Lakers are looking for additional help from the wings. LeBron James is currently out with a couple of minor injuries.
"They worked out Moe Harkless recently," Charania said. "And I'm told the Lakers also held free-agent workouts with Joe Wieskamp and Tony Snell. Wieskamp was waived by the Spurs out of training camp, and Snell has been a long-time NBA veteran."
"I’m told the expectation is James will be out the next two Lakers games … The Lakers also (recently) held free-agent workouts with Joe Wieskamp and Tony Snell.”
NBA Insider @ShamsCharania has the latest on LeBron James’ status and the Lakers. https://t.co/ZmCNqqI9dq
Wieskamp currently plays for the Austin Herd of the NBA G League. He was a second-round pick by the San Antonio Spurs last year. Meanwhile, Snell is a nine-year NBA veteran. Last season, he split his time with the Portland Trail Blazers and New Orleans Pelicans.
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People within LA Lakers not fans of Myles Turner and Buddy Hield
The LA Lakers have been linked with Buddy Hield and Myles Turner of the Indiana Pacers since the offseason. The Pacers are reportedly open to absorbing Russell Westbrook's contract for Hield and Turner. However, they also want the Lakers' two unprotected first round picks in 2027 and 2029.
With the Lakers' current struggles, there might be a need to improve the roster as soon as possible. But people within the organization are not convinced that Huield and Turner will turn things around, as per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
The Lakers reportedly want players who will help the team contend for a championship. With LeBron James on the wrong side of 30, the team's title window might close permanently, unless they acquire some serious talent.
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