LA Lakers Rumors: San Antonio Spurs still in the hunt for Russell Westbrook
The LA Lakers have been linked with the San Antonio Spurs in trade talks involving Russell Westbrook. Although the talks had died down in the middle, recent rumors suggest that the Spurs are still pursuing Westbrook.
The LA Lakers have been a hotbed of rumors and other trade activity since the offseason. In the midst of all activity, the Lakers were linked to several teams regarding potential trades.
The Purple and Gold had presented Russell Westbrook as their prime trading asset at this point in time. With teams such as the Indiana Pacers and the San Antonio Spurs being presented as takers, the Lakers had some avenues to pursue a trade.
However, a trade would not go through at this juncture as the Lakers were unwilling to part with their already limited draft capital. Additionally, with Westbrook also becoming a productive contributor off the bench, the Purple and Gold were inclined to keep the former All-Star on the roster.
As time went by, talks involving trades for Westbrook slowly died down. However, recent rumors have suggested that the San Antonio Spurs are still in pursuit of the 9x All-Star. This was mentioned by SpursTalk.com's LJ Ellis, who highlighted that the Lakers and the Spurs were still interested in making a trade. Ellis said:
"Interestingly, a team insider says that talks between the Spurs and the Los Angeles Lakers that involve Russell Westbrook are still alive. Those talks have been on the back burner for a couple months but I’ve been told that both the Lakers and Spurs remain open to the possibility depending on how the next two weeks play out prior to the trade deadline."
Ellis added:
"In addition to Poeltl, the Lakers are said to be interested in Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott.”
Report: Trade talks between Spurs and Lakers involving Russell Westbrook are ‘still alive’ lakersdaily.com/report-trade-t…
As per Ellis' inside source, the Lakers and Spurs are willing to discuss potential trades. However, there is an aspect of patience involved as both teams wait to see how things will play out in the two weeks prior to the trade deadline.
Talks regarding Russell Westbrook being raised are certainly intriguing. Considering how well he has been playing off the bench, the Purple and Gold may not pursue a trade. However, given what San Antonio is offering, the Lakers may be compelled to weigh their options.
Read: LA Lakers Trade Rumors: Lakers urged to pursue 3-point specialist playing for San Antonio Spurs
Should the LA Lakers consider trading Russell Westbrook?
Talks of Russell Westbrook garnering interest from the San Antonio Spurs is certainly a promising sign for the LA Lakers. However, it does raise a very important question.
Should the Lakers consider trading Westbrook?
Westbrook, as he is now, is playing at a high level for the Lakers. As the driving force off the bench, Russ has been key in pushing the tempo on offense and holding it down on defense. Simply put, he is absolutely doing the most to play his role in the system.
However, the Spurs package is also worth considering. The Lakers' need for shooters has been well-documented. Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott absolutely address those concerns.
Additionally, Jakob Poeltl is a big man with impressive rim protection skill. Having him on the roster gives the Lakers a lot of flexibility with regard to staggering Anthony Davis' minutes as he returns from injury.
Overall, the package is certainly worth considering. However, should picks be involved, the Lakers may remain a bit hesitant to make any trade work.
Also read: Reports: LA Lakers acquires Rui Hachimura from Washington Wizards