According to credible reports, the Los Angeles Lakers want to retain first-round picks in exchange for a future heavyweight trade for Damian Lillard.
Recently, according to credible reports, the Los Angeles Lakers have once again reopened negotiations for a Westbrook trade, with the main target being Damian Lillard of the Trail Blazers, who want to retain a first-round draft pick in exchange for a heavyweight trade.
It's safe to say that the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the worst teams in the NBA right now. Despite the team's Big Three roster consisting of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, the Lakers started the 2022-23 season with a 0-4 record.
The Lakers' struggles at the beginning of the season were mainly due to the disadvantage of the outside offense, because the team's poor three-point shooting was too obvious. It's not surprising, though, as the Lakers gave up the team's best six three-point shooters last season. Today, the team is a group of players who don't have the ability to shoot three-pointers, and Westbrook, for example, is shooting just 8 percent from three-point range.
So, one trade the Lakers really want to see revolves around Russell Westbrook. Since he joined the Lakers, he has been condemned by Los Angeles fans and the media. After the Lakers' most recent loss to the Denver Nuggets, news broke that Westbrook wanted to be traded, but which team would be willing to accept a passing former MVP?
After missing most of the 2021-2022 NBA season, the Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard made a strong comeback this season. He led the Trail Blazers to win all the time, with a 4-1 record so far. Despite the Trail Blazers' strong start to the season, not many believe they can continue that way in the playoffs.
According to the source Bletcher, he believes the Lakers are actually waiting for Lillard to join, and of course, the Lakers are willing to give away two future first-round picks.
Sports media "Bleachers" also reported that the Lakers have been reluctant to accept Turner and Hield from the Pacers because they want to trade two first-round picks for Lillard of the Trail Blazers. Because Lillard is better suited to the Lakers' backcourt, especially his outside ability. It's clear that Damian Lillard has more trade value than Buddy Heard and Miles Turner.
As of now, with Lillard signing a new contract extension this season, he won't be traded until next season. That could mean the Lakers could forgo the 2022-23 NBA game. That would mean they would eventually get rid of Russell Westbrook.
The Lakers could make Anthony Davis the biggest bargaining chip for a huge trade, and the Lakers are still looking for the right trade opportunity for James to finally win the championship. If nothing else, the deal may be coming soon.
