LA Lakers Rumors Roundup: Team looking to get 2-3 “difference makers” in Russell Westbrook trade, Purple and Gold expect guard to be back against Timberwolves, and more
According to recent reports, the LA Lakers are still looking to receive two to three difference-makers in any deal involving point guard Russell Westbrook.
In other news, Westbrook is expected to return from injury for the Lakers’ next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, given his recent struggles, he could be coming off the bench.
On that note, here are the latest rumors surrounding the LA Lakers as of Oct. 27, 2022.
LA Lakers trying to bring back two or three “difference-makers” in a Russell Westbrook trade
The LA Lakers’ disappointing 0-4 start to the season has quickly led to increased speculation regarding a possible Russell Westbrook trade.
Despite Westbrook’s early-season struggles, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst has reported that the Lakers are still looking to get a large amount of value back for him. In particular, Windhorst said that the team would like to receive at least a couple of “difference-makers” in exchange for the former MVP:
“According to rival executives, the Lakers have pitched two, three and four-team trade packages throughout the summer and fall, grasping at the panacea that brings in two or three difference-makers in one swoop."
Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka previously echoed a similar sentiment. Before the season, Pelinka said the team will be patient as they only have one shot to make a big trade with their limited assets:
"You have one shot to make a trade with multiple picks, so if you make that trade. And I'm not talking about any particular player on our team. But if you make that trade, it has to be the right one.
"You have one shot to do it. So we're being very thoughtful around the decisions on when and how to use draft capital in a way that will improve our roster."
The only problem with Pelinka’s plan to hold out for more value for Russell Westbrook is that the guard is on the decline. Every time he steps on the court, his value is only going to get lower. Westbrook currently averages 10.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.3 assists on 28.9% shooting, including 8.3% shooting from 3, this season.
Westbrook is also turning 34 in November and is currently dealing with a hamstring injury. Westbrook is still getting paid $47.1 million this season.
So perhaps the Lakers will need to lower their expectations if they want to get any type of Westbrook trade done soon.
Russell Westbrook hopeful to return from hamstring injury versus Timberwolves
Russell Westbrook's hamstring injury may not sideline him for very long. According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the nine-time All-Star is hopeful of returning for Friday's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (hamstring) is unlikely to play vs. the Nuggets tonight (ESPN, 10 ET), but remains hopeful of a return vs. the Timberwolves on Friday, sources tell ESPN.
Westbrook initially injured his hamstring during the Lakers' final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings on Oct. 14. However, he still played in the Lakers' first three games of the season before reaggravating his injury.
Given his early-season struggles, it remains to be seen if Westbrook's return will be a positive or a negative for the LA Lakers. Either way, the Lakers should come out desperate on Friday as they look to win their first game.
Russell Westbrook's benching reportedly “inevitable” after slow start
When Russell Westbrook does eventually return for the LA Lakers, it’s looking like he’s going to start off the bench.
Adrian Wojnarowski has also reported that Westbrook’s benching appears to be “inevitable” at this point:
"I think a Russell Westbrook move to the bench is probably inevitable unless his performance changes (or) the team's performance changes."
"I think a Russell Westbrook move to the bench is probably inevitable… Utah, Indiana, who the Lakers talked with a lot in the offseason, I'm told they've not heard from the Lakers yet this season."
— @wojespn
https://t.co/UzLoEwgpIs
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith also backed up Wojnarowski’s report. Smith said that he expects Westbrook to come off the bench on Friday.
“He’s probably going to come off the bench and lead the second unit on Friday in the next game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That’s what I’m being told. So that remains to be seen how that’s gonna pan out."
Stephen A: "[Russell Westbrook is] going to probably come off the bench and lead the 2nd unit Friday against the Minnesota Timberwolves. That's what I'm being told."
#NBATwitter #LakeShow https://t.co/ojkepKsURb
It will certainly be interesting to see how Russell Westbrook responds to the potential bench demotion and if he eventually accepts a full-time bench role.