The Los Angeles Lakers did not find a workable trade of Russell Westbrook this offseason, but sources tell The Athletic that “the prospect of him being traded in the coming weeks and months remains real.”
The Lakers are trying to make the Westbrook situation as productive as possible in the meantime under Darvin Ham.
On the cusp of training camp, the Lakers were engaged with the Indiana Pacers on deep conversations on a Westbrook trade. The Lakers seriously considered sending Westbrook and unprotected picks in 2027 and 2029 to the Pacers for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. Every conversation the Pacers have had with the Lakers has led to the demand of both available first round picks.
The Lakers have tried to acquire Turner and Hield for one first round pick plus second round pick compensation.
The talks were serious enough for the Lakers to delay a midweek news conference for Rob Pelinka and Ham.
Pelinka was given the authority to make the ultimate decision, but they wanted to reach a consensus. Joey Buss and Jesse Buss are being considered among the leaders of the front office more than ever and contributed to the debate.