32 Year-Old Veteran Russell Westbrook’s Blockbuster Trade to the Lakers

Former Washington Wizards guard Russell Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers on August 6, 2021. The Los Angeles Lakers also received three future second-round picks from the Washington Wizards in a five-team deal. This trade also includes the San Antonio Spurs, Indian Pacers, and Brooklyn Nets.

According to the BIN News, the trade was already negotiated since July 29, 2021. The Wizards are receiving Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Montrezl Harrell with a first-round draft pick from the Lakers.

“I think it’s a really good trade because I’m a diehard Laker fan,” said Jeffrey L., a sophomore in AISG. “But I think there could have been better choices. First of all, Westbrook isn’t the best choice because… Lillard is a better three-point shooter than Westbrook… Westbrook is pushing inside a lot, like driving inside towards the hoop. So I think Westbrook is not the best choice… but I’m still very happy that Westbrook is in our nation.”

According to Silver Screen & Roll, Russell Westbrook will be playing alongside above 35-year-old veterans like Carmelo Anthony (37,), Lebron James (36),  Trevor Ariza (36), Marc Gasol (36), and Dwight Howard (35). The current average age in the Lakers roster is 31.8.

“I think the Westbrook trade to the Los Angeles Lakers was a huge win for the Lakers,” said freshman Ross V. from AISG. “Now they have a really good super team with the veteran power, and they have everything they need to win the championship. So it’s going to be really disappointing if the Lakers were to lose the championship this year.”

Many sources have different views and predictions of the trade. Sam Quinn from CBS Sports graded C on this trade for the Lakers. After analyzing Westbrook’s performance throughout the past seasons, he discovered that Westbrook’s scoring percentages were on a decline. Quinn states that the Lakers were already ranked 24thplace last year on three-point attempts and 21st on three-point percentages, and Westbrook would prove to be of little support for the shooting in the Lakers, who is only averaging a career 47% in two-point shooting, and 30.5% in three-point shooting.

On the other hand, Arhaan Raje from SportsSkeeda News graded this trade as an A, stating that the trade could open up a bigger window for the Lakers to acquire more players. He thinks that the championship potential for the Lakers in the 2021-2022 season is quite high.

Will this trade be a success? The answer lies within time.