Report: Talks Between Lakers, Spurs Involving Russell Westbrook Still Alive

While the Lakers have already pulled off one trade, they may not be done yet. After all, there is still time between now and the Feb. 9 deadline.

But let’s start with the move they already made, acquiring forward Rui Hachimura from the Wizards for guard Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks. We have the details on that one right here.

Again, though, the Lakers could still make some changes, and it could involve the Spurs. If you remember, the teams were reportedly discussing a deal involving guard Russell Westbrook before the season, with the Lakers said to be interested in small forward Doug McDermott and guard/forward Josh Richardson.

Now, the Lakers could be interested in San Antonio center Jakob Poeltl as well, per veteran insider LJ Ellis of Spurs Talk. Much of it, per Ellis, could be determined by what happens from here.

“Those talks have been on the back burner for a couple months but I’ve been told that both the Lakers and Spurs remain open to the possibility depending on how the next two weeks play out prior to the trade deadline,” Ellis wrote, adding that LA remains interested in McDermott and Richardson.

Now, interest is one thing, but actually having the pieces to make it happen would be another. The Spurs would highly likely be unwilling to surrender Poeltl in a trade centered on Westbrook’s expiring deal — especially given that San Antonio could receive much better offers.

Plus, with Thomas Bryant really coming around and Hachimura added to the mix, the Lakers may view it as the frontcourt is just fine for now. But without a doubt, McDermott could offer additional perimeter shooting, a veteran who can spread the court.

For the Spurs, it’s pretty clear the idea is to enter the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes. If Westbrook’s expiring deal helps them do that, then you can be sure they will do it.

For the record, one rival league executive told Hoops Wire that he views a Westbrook trade as unlikely, with the Lakers simply content to let his salary come off the books at the end of the season.

But after adding Hachimura, who knows? Perhaps Lakers GM Rob Pelinka still has something up his sleeve.