Russell Westbrook and D'Angelo Russell (Photo : Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers are emerging as the likely front-runner should the Oklahoma City Thunder make All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook available on the trading block, according to Sports Illustrated.
Despite striking out again on elite free-agents this summer, the Lakers managed to build a decent roster by infusing veteran players to their young core. Although there's an argument that their deals are little overpriced, these deals could nevertheless be used as moving pieces should a major trade opportunity arises.
There's no more coveted trade target out there than super elite playmaker Russell Westbrook, who is expected to be at the center of trade rumors between now and the February trade deadline following the exit of his All-Star buddy Kevin Durant.
Make no mistake, interest for Westbrook will continue to escalate as the trade deadline approaches. However, there are only a handful of teams that possess talents, contracts and resources to make a run at the OKC Thunder star. The Lakers, the team Westbrook followed growing up in South California, are one of them.
Again despite the free-agency misfortunes in consecutive years, the Lakers have a nice young core in place. They have promising backcourt duo in last year's no.2 overall pick D'Angelo Russell and Jordan Clarkson, who recently signed a four-year extinction.
The frontline is not shabby at all with this year's no.2 overall pick Brandon Ingram, Anthony Brown at the wing spot while Julius Randle, Larry Nance Jr. and Tarik Black in the power forward spot.
To land Westbrook, the Lakers have to package Ingram, Russell or Clarkson and a veteran like Lou Williams and Luol Deng. It won't be surprising if the Lakers would add a couple of second round picks to sweeten the deal.
Assets-rich ballclubs such as the Boston Celtics, Minnesota Timberwolves, Milwaukee Bucks will try to snag Westbrook, but the Lakers are believed to be the most desirable destination for the guard simply because it's located in a big market and it's a homecoming for the LA native.
