After months of speculation regarding Russell Westbrook’s future with the Los Angeles Lakers, it seems like the narrative is about to conclude soon. The franchise managed to get by without Antony Davis for most of the games. Veteran star player LeBron James has been incredible in the past few weeks, but there’s still a chance the team could make this season’s playoffs.

Acquiring Rui Hachimura might be one of the first major moves by Lakers General Manager Rob Pelinka. However, a shallow roster means fewer tradable pieces, not to mention depleting financial flexibility with huge contracts in play. Since dragging the issue on for months, it seems as if the Lakers have finally made their decision about Russell Westbrook and the direction they are going with. With that, let’s go over the possible scenarios for the nine-time NBA All-Star.

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What lies ahead of Russell Westbrook?

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A blockbuster trade is a must

How far the Lakers will go to make a blockbuster trade happen relies on what other teams are willing to offer. The 34-year-old point guard filled the sixth-man role for the first time in his career since joining the franchise. But, the team still has concerns about his playoff form when rotations begin to condense. To date, the chance to receive any impact player for Westbrook raised question marks. That may be a stretch for the team to give unless a high-caliber guard like Damian Lillard or Bradley Beal enters the trade block. So far, there’s no indication that either will be available anytime soon.

The Lakers have Lillard and Beal under the radar, and rumors about getting younger stars onboard like Zach LaVine surfaced in recent weeks as well. So, the front office will likely wait for potential suitors for the remainder of his contract unless another franchise is willing to offer a star player in return. Although that may not be the case at this point, we’ve seen crazier events happen before the trade deadline.

You still have to give credit where credit is due. Westbrook did adjust to his new role as someone who provides a spark off the bench. This established him as an important piece of the team’s second unit. But, will he survive the next NBA trade deadline? Will the Lakers put him on the chopping block as early as now? As it stands, it looks like the former league MVP is about to go through turbulent days.

Westbrook under the microscope

Westbrook puts up decent numbers this season. He is averaging 15.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 7.5 points per game. His resurgence as a sixth man has been overlooked most of the time. This is because of several lapses along the way. The former Wizards guard has been less efficient in his new role than he was when he started for the Lakers last year. Nevertheless, he is a pivotal component when it comes to playmaking abilities. Los Angeles demands a proper playmaker, and Westbrook is the only man they can rely on for that.

One of the few trade proposals that could work for Westbrook and the Lakers is a package that involves unprotected 2027 and 2029 first-round picks. This proposal can find them solid trade options that could get them back on the championship track this season.

On the other hand, don’t be surprised if Westbrook decides to weather out his time with the Lakers this season and even potentially re-sign this summer. If the Western Conference side decides to re-sign Hachimura, then they won’t have ample cap space to go after a star player, even with Westbrook’s $47 million contract out of the picture.

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This is just one of the many sports betting guides that you can read here at Nitrobetting news. Stay tuned for more 2022-23 NBA season previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest basketball betting odds on our online BTC sportsbook.