NBA Notes: Heat, Russell Westbrook, Lakers, Collin Sexton, Bulls

Heat

If the Heat miss out on LeBron James, Russell Westbrook could emerge as a fallback option.

According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, the veteran guard is a candidate for Miami, though only if the franchise is unable to land James in free agency.

Bondy added that Cleveland, Miami and Philadelphia continue to be viewed around the league as the favorites to sign the four-time MVP.

Westbrook spent last season with the Kings after previously playing alongside James with the Lakers. He was also linked to the Wizards earlier this summer.

Lakers

The Lakers have officially signed veteran guard Collin Sexton after agreeing to terms earlier this month.

Sexton joins a revamped Los Angeles roster that also added Walker Kessler, Quentin Grimes and Sandro Mamukelashvili following LeBron James’ departure.

The 27-year-old averaged 17.5 points over 26 games with the Bulls after arriving from Charlotte at last season’s trade deadline, while shooting 48.2 percent from the field and 41 percent from beyond the arc.

The Lakers have now exhausted their available spending power for the offseason, though they can still reshape the roster through trades.

Bulls

Norman Powell understands the NBA is a business. That doesn’t mean he’s thinking about what’s next.

Speaking after officially signing with the Bulls, Powell acknowledged his new contract includes a team option for the second season but said his focus is firmly on helping Chicago win.

“I go into every situation wanting to be here,” Powell said, via Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “My focus is on being here, being in the moment, and how I can help.”

Powell added that the NBA’s new apron system has changed the way teams approach roster building, making shorter contracts and added flexibility more common around the league.

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