Oklahoma City point guard Russell Westbrook (R) drives past Los Angeles Lakers' Jordan Clarkson. (Photo : Getty Images)
The LA Lakers have been snubbed by Kevin Durant and it's another major blow for the franchise that used to have the reputation of getting the big names.
Durant choosing the Lakers was a stretch. It was clear that he wanted to win a title and the Tinseltown team were eons away from reaching that-even with Durant in their fold.
That does not mean their future is bleak, though. The Lakers may not be a free agent destination this year, but next year could be different.
Free agents would like to see how the potential would work in actual games. While the Lakers made the best moves they can with choosing Luke Walton as coach, drafting Brandon Ingram and possibly keeping Jordan Clarkson-they have to see how this works on the court and not just on paper.
But the Lakers could nab their superstar even before the 2017 season ends. It is speculated that Westbrook would leave OKC-with or without Durant as in this segment in the Mike and Mike radio show at ESPN.
Host Mike Greenberg mentioned that Westbrook was a "big city guy" and unlikely to stay in Oklahoma. This may affect Durant's decision-knowing Russ won't stay there long term.
If Durant does leave, then it is fairly certain that Westbrook would probably pack his bags the next year. The main reason Westbrook would stay is that OKC is a contender. Durant leaving takes that away. Even with Westbrook, they could only be a lower rung playoff team.
Which is why Russ would leave for a big market team, something that he allegedly craves. For OKC, losing their two stars via free agency in consecutive years is a catastrophe and it may be prudent to trade Westbrook for some returns.
D'Angelo Russell and Brandon Ingram are young prospects with all-star potential according to Real GM. If the Lakers can add an unprotected first round pick, the Thunder might see them as building pieces.
Russell and Ingram could cover the positions of Westbrook and Durant (PG and SF) and they are definite downgrades, but it would be much better to acquire them rather than lose Westbrook for nothing. GM Sam Presti can build a team through the draft (as he has proven with OKC) and if anyone can recover from this storm, it's him.
The Lakers could still retain some cap space (it will also increase by an estimated $15 million next year) and free agents would now take notice since they have a top 5 player in Westbrook. With Russ unleashed in LA and Walton coaching a fast-paced offense, he would definitely register MVP numbers.
