Rumors suggest that San Antonio might take on Russell Westbrook and send a string of role players to Los Angeles.
The Los Angeles Lakers might be reportedly bolstered by the additions of role players Doug McDermott, Josh Richardson, and former Ute Jakob Poeltl. Recent rumors suggest the San Antonio Spurs are an interested party to acquire Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook’s undetermined future with the Lakers has been a constant talking point throughout the offseason. Earlier, the Spurs, with their cap room and contracts, were one of the potential teams involved in the trade for Kyrie Irving who will stay put in Brooklyn this season.
Per a recent report from Silver Screen and Roll (via The Salt Lake Tribune), the Spurs were one of the franchises willing to take on Westbrook’s contract.
“Complicating matters, though, is that the Jazz might not be the only team willing to take on Westbrook’s contract in order to get those picks. Indiana and San Antonio have also expressed that interest, per multiple media reports. The Pacers could trade Buddy Hield and Myles Turner, while the Spurs could move along Doug McDermott, Josh Richardson, and/or former Ute Jakob Poeltl.”
The additions of these role players come as a mixed addition to the Lakers. The think-tank did express interest during the trade deadline last season for Richardson who averaged 10.2 points on 41.5% shooting from 3-point range.
From a defensive viewpoint, Poeltl comes in as a promising Center averaging 13.5 points and 9.3 rebounds. His field shooting percentage of 61.8% suggests that he could be a decent contributor to the side coming off the bench.
The addition of McDermott though does little to benefit Los Angeles given his struggles defensively, although he does bring in the distinct advantage of his shooting from the 3-point range. The eight-season veteran averages 2.1 3PM at a healthy .422 3P%
Adding to this is how the franchise approaches the trade window over the course of the season. Multiple reports suggest that the Lakers are still gunning for Hield and Myles Turner, but Indiana’s demands of seeking the two unprotected first-round picks have still been looked at as too much of an ask.
The Westbrook quandary where he’s owed $47 million in the approaching final year of his deal is something Rob Pelinka has been keen to sort out. From a season’s perspective, the reduced minutes is a sure shot theory, despite his rejuvenated shooting in practice. With Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schroder on the side, Westbrook will have to fight for his time on the hardwood.
The Lakers will take on defending champions Golden State Warriors on opening night at the Chase Center on October 18.
More must-reads: