Update:
Washington has officially traded Westbrook to the Los Angeles Lakers:
The Lakers and Wizards have agreed on the trade for Russell Westbrook, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 30, 2021
Just hours before the 2021 NBA Draft, rumors of trades are starting to increase. For weeks there have been talks of the Los Angeles Lakers trading or signing a veteran point guard and moving Kyle Kuzma.
According to NBA Insider, Adrian Woj, the Lakers are close to securing a deal to get a veteran to run the offense. At the same time, LA would be trading Kuzma.
Woj announced Los Angeles is close to trading for Washington’s Russell Westbrook. In return, the Wizards would get Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and a 2021 first-round pick.
The Lakers are near a deal to acquire Washington's Russell Westbrook for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and a 2021 first-round pick, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 29, 2021
In tonight’s draft, the Lakers currently have the 22nd pick in the first round.
With Westbrook potentially on the move, more speculation is going to start building on if Bradley Beal will still be on the team next season. Rumors have been circulating around him leaving, including the Golden State Warriors potentially trading for him.
The night is still young as so much can happen on draft night. But one thing for certain is the Lakers will have an improved roster if they add Westbrook. He has a passion for the game and has continuously shown he can direct a team. He can score the ball, one of the best rebounding guards in the league, and can get the ball to the right guy at the right time.
With a healthy LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Los Angeles has a good chance for a deep playoff run with the potential accusation of Westbrook.
More details are to come as the story develops.
