• Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook (Photo : Getty Images)

Russell Westbrook could be the player who could fix the Los Angeles Lakers, but any potential move may have to wait until the summer of 2017.

The Lakers are far from being the glorious team they once were and are unlikely to become so in the next season, despite having plenty of young talents. But they could be just one trade away to once again turn themselves into title contenders in the league.

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Westbrook, who has been in the heat of trade rumors after co-star Kevin Durant left the OKC Thunder this summer, could be the leading candidate to bring the Lakers back to glory. As noted by ESPN's Tom Penn, Westbrook could be thinking he is the guy who can "fix the Lakers" after back-to-back disappointing seasons.

There are many ways Westbrook could fix the Lakers. For one, Westbrook could turn the franchise into instant contenders, with the Lakers already filled with potential supporting cast to surround the Thunder star PG.

A homecoming to the California native would also be tremendous for the Lakers as Westbrook could regain the franchise's winning culture and attract top free agents in the future. However, any potential deal to bring Westbrook to Tinsel Town may not happen this season or at least before next summer's free agency starts, with the 28-year-old point guard likely to remain with the Thunder for the 2016-2017 season, according to The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.

"Right now, his mindset is on the team they have and can we add pieces in the short term, can we go out in free agency," Wojnarowski told Colin Cowherd's radio show. "That doesn't mean he's not leaving next year, but his attitude isn't 'Aww man, Kevin left. I'm screwed, I need to get out of here."

Wojnarowski also claimed there is a chance Westbrook would remain a Thunder for the next years and could potentially sign an extension worth $200 million dollar. But according to ESPN's Chris Broussard, the Lakers are connived they can sign Westbrook come free agency of 2017, barring any potential blockbuster trade this season.

"The Lakers think they can sign him (Westbrook)," Broussard said, reports Bleacher Report. "I was talking to some people, some executives yesterday about possible trades they might do, or offer, and I was told they think they can sign him as a free agent. So, why should they give up anything?"

The Lakers' future for the upcoming season looks bright, with their young talents showing immense potential under new coach Luke Walton. However, any chance of the Lakers coming out as legit contenders in the league is very slim, especially without a proven star to lead the Purple and Gold squad.

Nevertheless, it would be wise for the Lakers to keep their core of young promising players and wait for the right moment to get a star like Westbrook. With the cap set to rise again in 2017, there is no better time to pounce at one of the top free agents available next year.