The Los Angeles Lakers preferred path forward with Russell Westbrook is to find a way for him to work within the team’s offensive and defensive systems. But that hasn’t kept the Lakers from continuing to look into trade options involving Westbrook.
In recent weeks, Los Angeles engaged the San Antonio Spurs in trade talks for Josh Richardson. Richardson is a veteran on an expiring contract, so it’s expected San Antonio will look to trade him during this rebuilding season.
The Lakers have remained interested in potential trades with the Indiana Pacers (for Buddy Hield and Myles Turner) and the Charlotte Hornets (for Terry Rozier), as well. All trade talks have seen rival teams ask Los Angeles for either one or both of the Lakers tradable future first-round picks.
A deal that sends Westbrook to either Indiana or San Antonio would be easier to complete, because those teams still have considerable cap space. Both the Pacers and Spurs have approximately $30 million in available cap space. That would make absorbing Westbrook’s $47.1 million contract easier than a team that would have to fully match salary in a deal.
