RealGM

The Los Angeles Lakers are unwilling to include their 2027 first round pick in a possible trade of Russell Westbrook to the Houston Rockets for John Wall.

Houston is interested in a trade of Wall for Westbrook, but only if they're incentivized to do so.

The Lakers aren't convinced Wall will be a meaningful upgrade, while surrounding a valuable trade chip. The Lakers also don't want to pay a premium to move on from Westbrook so soon after sending a number of assets to the Washington Wizards for him.

LeBron James and Anthony Davis encouraged the Lakers to trade for Westbrook rather than a deal Rob Pelinka had negotiated with the Sacramento Kings for Buddy Hield.

The Lakers still also hope that Westbrook could have a successful second half of the season, similar to his lone year with the Washington Wizards. 

Via Marc Stein/Substack

This reeks of LeGM saying no to Wall.

Well at least they aren't THAT desperate.

bad move. Just like when they wouldn't give up Horton for Lowry

Of course we don’t want wall period . Um no thank you

the_process wrote:This reeks of LeGM saying no to Wall.

Why would you trade for worst player on the same deal

Easy, let Russell be the primary ball handler. Make AD and LBJ your off the ball scorers and PnR partners.

Don't let Westbrook shoot too much, it sort of worked in Houston when he was with James Harden.

So happy that experiment over in Brooklyn looks iffy, those draft picks look mighty good (owed to Hou!)

This would be such a dumb trade for the Lakers. Wall is just as horrible.

At this point the Lakers should just do the opposite of whatever their first thought is.

the_process wrote:This reeks of LeGM saying no to Wall.

I’d think the majority of the NBA would say no to this Wall trade, not just LeBron. This trade would be trading away one bizarre experiment for another one, halfway through the season nonetheless. It doesn’t make any sense.

It would be the funnest trade Cause rockets would have gotten essentially wizards first round pick to ACQUIRE wall. Than get another first round pick to get rid of wall who they aren’t even playing.

Wall is washed up as a 30-35 min a game player. Lakers are smart not to attach anything to acquire wall.

Wall needs to reinvent himself as a 15 min a game player.

Westbrook should do the same. 15 min super hard off the bench.

Idk I feel like Wall would be more willing to be a pass first pg like he was in the beginning of his career if he’s on a team with Lebron and AD. He for sure doesn’t chuck as many 3s. Otherwise yeah Westbrook would be slightly better… maybe. Not worth the Lakers next available 1st though

nguyen925 wrote:Easy, let Russell be the primary ball handler. Make AD and LBJ your off the ball scorers and PnR partners.

Don't let Westbrook shoot too much, it sort of worked in Houston when he was with James Harden.

So happy that experiment over in Brooklyn looks iffy, those draft picks look mighty good (owed to Hou!)

Not only is Westbrook a terrible shooter he is also a terrible passer his assist to turnover ratio is horrendous and Russ was refusing to set screens.. Best place for Russ is away from the team he is a net negative...

why would the lakers want wall at all. let him rot on the rockets bench. its prob his last 2 years in the nba

RealGM Wiretap wrote:The Lakers aren't convinced Wall will be a meaningful upgrade, while surrounding a valuable trade chip.

Surrendering.

RealGM if you need a copy editor my DMs are open.

I think I'd rather have Wall than than Westbrook. WB is a great offensive player but he needs to be the #1 guy on a team, he isn't #1 in LA. Their contracts are the same and since Houston had Westbrook and traded him for Wall I don't know why they would want him back.

I'd say if Philly really wants to get out of Toby Harris they could trade Harris, Curry and Korkmaz to the Rockets for Wall. This would save a year off harris and save the Sixers about $3.5 million this season.

Philadelphia wants Curry though.



This trade might work in the summer if the Lakers flame out in the playoffs. They still should include the draft pick but straight up it could work.

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