Google News NBA insider reveals how many teams Lakers contacted for Russell Westbrook trade
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NBA insider Sam Amico is reporting that the Los Angeles Lakers have had talks with at least five teams this offseason regarding a potential Russell Westbrook trade. The Lakers have been trying to move Westbrook since the start of free agency, but his $47 million contract for this season is a big obstacle.
Also, the Lakers weren't willing to give up much of their draft capital in order to move Westbrook. Amico also suggested that there is a chance the Lakers have talked to even more than five teams. “This offseason alone, [Rob] Pelinka has spoken to no less than five rival teams about Westbrook, multiple league sources told Hoops Wire,” Amico wrote for Hoops Wire.
“While those discussions are widely known, two other team executives not mentioned above told Hoops Wire they too have talked to Pelinka about Westbrook since the start of July. Each said he believed, but could not guarantee, the Lakers have also talked to several others beyond those that have been reported, many in recent weeks”.
There is a chance Westbrook stays with the Lakers
Since the Lakers haven't been able to move Westbrook, there is a strong belief that he will stay with the Lakers until at least next summer, when his current contract expires.
In an interview for The Athletic, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss offered some public support to Westbrook, who appeared in 78 games for the team last season. “All I can say is that, from my point of view, [Westbrook] was our best player last year.
He played pretty much every single game, showed up, worked hard,” she said. “You know, I would have loved to have seen what this team would have looked like if they stayed healthy. It’s really tough to win when Anthony Davis isn’t on the court.
LeBron [James] was hurt a lot of the season. But Russ showed up every game and played hard every night. And, you know, I just really appreciate him for who he is and what he brings to the team”. Later, Buss clarified herself and said she meant to call Westbrook as the Lakers' "most consistent player." Two weeks ago, the Lakers traded for guard Patrick Beverley.
Beverley and Westbrook have a history and some thought that move meant the Lakers were definitely giving up on Westbrook. But the latest report suggest that the Lakers will try to find a role for Westbrook if he stays with the team.