Lakers Still Reluctant To Trade Both First-Rounders In Russell Westbrook Deals

The Lakers have taken part in multiple Russell Westbrook trade discussions this offseason, but as usual, they don’t want to surrender both of their eligible first-round picks.

Those picks won’t take place until 2027 and 2029, but teams seem to covet them. At least, the do if the Lakers are asking those teams to take on Westbrook and his large ($47.1 million), expiring contract.

According to Jovan Buha of The Athletic, though, the Lakers don’t want to give up both firsts just to unload Westbrook. That has been an ongoing theme this offseason.

“I’ve heard the Lakers are still reluctant to include that second first-round pick,” Buha said on the HoopsHype podcast. “Maybe that’s something that changes closer to training camp. I know It would’ve changed if Kyrie Irving was still available. That would’ve been the one scenario in which the two picks would’ve been on the table. Aside from that, they’re looking at it like, can we do one first-round pick and a couple of seconds or one pick and a protected pick or pick swap?”

Buha went on to add that Westbrook and two picks wouldn’t have been enough for the Nets to part with Irving anyway. And most opposing teams won’t give up a star for picks that are five and seven years away from being any good.

As one GM told Hoops Wire, “I may not even be the GM of this team (when those picks can be utilized).”

Anyway, as we relayed earlier, Westbrook has been linked to both the Jazz and Pacers, though it is widely believed some other team could emerge as a potential Westbrook destination, provided they can benefit with picks and Westbrook contract buyout.

As for the Lakers, well, there are still decisions to be made, with the start of training camp less than a month away.

“It’s very clear what the league wants to take on Russ,” Buha said. “I think the Lakers can play hardball, but I feel like, at some point, you’ve got to decide whether they want to bring him into training camp with all the potential distractions and the fit issues we saw last season?”