The trading deadline has passed, and the Lakers have not made any operations. According to statistics, the Lakers have not operated on the trading deadline for 3 consecutive seasons. In fact, the Lakers had a chance to send Westbrook away at the last minute to trade the Rockets' Wall. But in the final moments, the Rockets temporarily increased their weight and needed a first-round pick, which made the Lakers finally abandon the deal.
According to NBA star Chris Haynes, the Rockets offered to trade Russell Westbrook for John Wall, but they wanted the Lakers' 2027 first-round pick. The Lakers refused to give them the draft pick, so the deal failed.
"It's tough. The Lakers don't have many assets. Horton Tucker may be their only valuable asset, and no one can replace him. Sources told me that the Rockets did contact the Lakers and were willing to offer Russell Westbrook John Wall, but they wanted the Lakers to include a first-round pick. The Lakers rejected that, and that discussion ended there. In this regard, the Lakers really can't do anything about it. ”
We've heard rumors about this potential deal. In addition to this, there is news that Wood and Horton Tucker are also part of the deal. Westbrook + Tucker went to trade Wood + Wall. Wood is a big man who can play alongside James and Anthony Davis. Wall will be the team's third or fourth scoring option and can handle the ball when LeBron James is off the field. Unfortunately, this potential deal was not completed in the end, and the Lakers missed the opportunity to take off in situ.
At the end of the day, the Lakers are still reluctant to give up their 2027 draft pick.