The possibility of Russell Westbrook joining the Los Angeles Lakers ahead of next season is increasingly getting stronger. The 32-year-old Washington Wizards star recently emerged as one of the top candidates for the 2020 NBA champions as they look to improve their point guard position.
Another report suggests that the Lakers and the Wizards have already held preliminary talks about a potential trade that would send Westbrook to LA. It appears that the future of the 2017 NBA MVP will, at least in part, depend on Bradley Beal’s decision on whether to stay in Washington or request a trade.
Via Matt Moore of Action Network:
“The Wizards, multiple sources have said, are aligning toward a full rebuild should Beal ask out. It’s not a coincidence that Bleacher Report reported that there have been preliminary talks between the Lakers and Wizards about a deal for Russell Westbrook, a deal that league sources said was increasingly likely as of Sunday night.”
Westbrook’s current contract runs through the 2022-2023 season which is a player option. He is set to earn over $44 million next season.
This past season, Russ averaged a triple-double of 22.2 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game. It was his lowest scoring season since 2013-2014.
