Lakers Trade Rumors (from L to R): Russell Westbrook, D'Angelo Russell, Julius Randle, and Nick Young. (Photo : Getty Images)
A wild trade scenario featuring Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook being dealt to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for this year's second overall pick D'Angelo Russell, last year's seventh overall selection Julius Randle, and mercurial backup shooter Nick Young is making rounds online recently. Is it possible and is Westbrook the answer to the Lakers' woes?
An article by Brian Josephs at Complex listed down "15 ESPN Trade Machine-approved deals" involving Westbrook and one of those is the trade option mentioned above.
Looking at the protagonists in the proposed trade, it is really tempting for both sides to agree on it as the two lottery picks, Angelo and Randle, will guarantee Oklahoma City to be a contender for years on end even when Kevin Durant will be past his prime. Of course, this is assuming that KD will not leave the Thunder for another team next summer.
Westbrook will definitely be a huge loss for Billy Donovan, who recently praised his All-Star point guard's all-around plays, via ESPN, but getting assets that will make the future brighter for the franchise may make him interested if he thinks long term.
Meanwhile, the Lakers getting Westbrook is unquestionably going to be a positive for the drifting squad.
This is especially true if Kobe Bryant decides to retire next season as the Lakers would need a legitimate superstar to take over Bryant's place as the Hollywood team's new face.
Reports in April went out that Kobe is actually "trying to recruit Westbrook" to play for the Lakers, as per Fox Sports, but there had been no updates since then.
However, if Durant decides to leave OKC during free agency, the chances of Westbrook being traded away will be slim to none as the Thunder could not afford to lose their two biggest stars in one offseason.
The Lakers will then be left with their young guns and maybe a retired Bryant. Unless Durant would be the one to come to L.A.
