NBA Rumors: LA Lakers targeting Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott in potential Russell Westbrook trade
Recent NBA rumors have suggested that the LA Lakers are looking to trade Russell Westbrook to the San Antonio Spurs for Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott. LJ Ellis of SpursTalk shared more information on the matter.
The Lakers have been amidst several trade rumors this year, with Russell Westbrook being the primary entity in all of them. The Purple and Gold have made several efforts to trade the superstar.
To facilitate the trade, the Lakers reportedly engaged in talks with several teams. These have included the likes of the Charlotte Hornets, the Indiana Pacers, the Utah Jazz and the San Antonio Spurs. Unfortunately, not a lot of these negotiations have gathered a lot of traction.
Talks between the Lakers and the Pacers remain one of the main storylines to follow. However, a recent rumor has suggested that the Purple and Gold have engaged in discussions with the Spurs as well.
The Lakeshow's need for shooters is well-documented at this point. As one of the worst three-point shooting teams in the NBA, the Lakers are in need of reinforcements.
In this regard, the team has set their eyes on Spurs players Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott. LJ Ellis of SpursTalk offered more insight on the matter.
"According to a source, the Los Angeles Lakers have targeted Richardson and McDermott in a trade that would involve Russell Westbrook. However, talks haven’t gained traction because the Lakers are only willing to relinquish a pair of second round picks in return for both players."
However, also added that the Spurs may not be interested in keeping Westbrook.
"If the Spurs do land Westbrook in a trade, the source says the Spurs would buy out his contract and allow him to become a free agent."
Report: Lakers have targeted Josh Richardson and Doug McDermott in potential Russell Westbrook trade lakersdaily.com/report-lakers-…
On paper, Richardson and McDermott would be great additions to the Lakers roster. With both shooting over 40% from beyond the arc, both could have a significant impact on the team's shooting potential.
However, given the Lakers' stance on trading their two draft picks, the deal itself may not move further.
Meanwhile, the Purple and Gold are currently seeing Russell Westbrook play at his best in a Lakers uniform. Whether the luster of his recent performances could factor into not trading is a matter of consideration, but the LA Lakers have made other pieces available.
The LA Lakers have made both Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis are both available for trade
While Russell Westbrook has become a familiar entity in all trade talks pertaining to the LA Lakers, the Purple and Gold are rumored to have made Anthony Davis available as well.
Read: Reports: Anthony Davis might be made available for trade by LA Lakers, NBA analyst believes
The report was made by Bill Simmons, who mentioned that there was some chatter around the league suggesting that Davis would be available for trade conversations.
Considering the expectations placed upon Davis to take over the franchise during his tenure, the 29-year old has fallen far short of expectations. While he has been an extremely potent force on both ends of the floor, he hasn't appeared like the dominant star he was once built up to be.
With LeBron James in year 20 and AD looking like a faint image of himself, some believe that the duo itself is on the decline.
Related: NBA executive believes LeBron James and Anthony Davis are declining with damning assessment: "LeBron doesn't even look like a main option right now"
Coming off their recent 116-139 loss against the Utah Jazz, the Lakers have fallen to 2-8 on the season. If this isn't a blaring alarm that signals a change, the LA Lakers may have more problems to address within the organization.