After months of speculation, Russell Westbrook‘s time with the Los Angeles Lakers appears to be over.
The Lakers are reportedly finalizing a three-team trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz to acquire D’Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt. While Westbrook heads to Utah in the deal, he might quickly return to the L.A. zip code, according to NBA insider Chris Haynes.
Earlier in the day, when the trade was still a rumor, Haynes reported that Westbrook would likely be a buyout candidate. With the deal nearly official, Haynes says that if Westbrook secures a buyout from the Jazz, the Los Angeles Clippers would be among the teams interested in his services.
Westbrook never seemed to jell with star LeBron James during his time with the Lakers, a notion that seemed clear to everyone but the team. Despite Westbrook’s name emerging in trade talks as far back as last offseason, the Lakers failed to pull the trigger until now.
Through 52 games this season, the 34-year-old is averaging only 15.9 points per game, the lowest since his rookie season (15.3).
Wherever Westbrook lands next, Wednesday’s trade helped him become a part of history alongside a fellow former Laker. According to ESPN Stats and Info, Westbrook joins Bob McAdoo as the only other player in NBA history to be dealt four times following an MVP campaign.
With Westbrook seemingly on his way out, the Lakers finally pulled off a move likely to satisfy James. Adding former Laker Russell at the point will likely be a better fit alongside James. Meanwhile, Beasley should boost scoring, while Vanderbilt, a versatile forward, could add some needed depth to L.A.’s lineup.
