Not surprisingly, the Lakers lost again. Facing the Jazz, who had lost five consecutive games before, they still had no resistance, almost the entire game behind, and finally lost 109-122. After this campaign, their ranking once again slipped to eleventh in the West, and although many Lakers fans stubbornly refused to admit it, in fact, the Lakers' season was basically over prematurely.
Looking at this summer, the Lakers are bound to do something in the free market to help the team out of the predicament, and if they still want to build a team around James and Davis, sending Westbrook away is almost inevitable. Recently, Ben Cooper, an expert at clutch Points, wrote an article about The Trading Prospects of Westbrook and listed two possible trading options.
Option one: The Lakers sent Westbrook, the 2027 first-round pick, the 2029 first-round pick; the Pistons sent Grant and Olynyk
For the Lakers, the deal could allow them to get rid of Westbrook and rebuild a lineup with championship-contending strength. Westbrook's departure can put the ball back in the hands of James, Grant can fill the gap in their front line, increase the height of the team's frontcourt, and Olynyk is also a good championship puzzle.
For the Pistons, with Cunningham, Westbrook means little, but this is an expired contract, which is very motivating for their future, and can add two first-round picks, with the Lakers' current trend, the future value may be high.
Option two: The Lakers send Westbrook and the 2027 first-round pick; the Knicks send Fournier, Burks, and Noel
Compared to the plan one, this plan may be more pragmatic, Fournier's fuel tank still has oil, he is a reliable outside shooter, this season's three-point shooting rate is close to 40%, can average 3.1 three-pointers per game, Noel can increase the height of the inner line and the ability to protect the rim, compared to the old Jordan Jr. and Howard, he is more energetic, Burks can average 11.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this season, he is a more reliable guard, can also increase the depth of the Lakers bench.
The Knicks have missed out on the playoffs for years in a row, they have the largest game in the country, but they don't have a single star player, and Westbrook is one of their few options this summer. Westbrook's expiring contract will give them more room to operate in the future, and that 2027 first-round signing is also an important asset for them to rebuild.