Rockets Unwilling To Trade John Wall For Lakers’ Russell Westbrook Minus 2027 Pick

The Rockets remain unwilling to trade John Wall to the Lakers for Russell Westbrook unless the LA also includes its 2027 first-round pick, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.

So far, the Lakers don’t want to budge. That pick (2027) is their next available first-rounder to trade, per NBA rules.

What we do know is the Lakers would like to trade Westbrook ahead of today’s 3 p.m. deadline. But with time running out and Westbrook’s play fairly rocky this season (not to mention a large contract), it seems unlikely.

Meanwhile, Wall has not appeared in a game this season as both he and the Rockets seek a trade, to no avail. It seems a deal involving Westbrook will be Houston’s only hope.

Wall, 31, appeared in 40 games last season, his first with the Rockets, averaging 20.6 points and 6.9 assists. Along the way, he proved to be a leader and a true professional in a losing situation. He has not played this season as the Rockets and Wall have been seeking a trade.

Westbrook, 33, was acquired by the Lakers from the Wizards in a multiteam trade this past offseason. He has not been a fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis, as the Lakers are currently the 10th seed in the Western Conference.

Westbrook and Wall were traded for each other in 2020, when Westbrook was with the Rockets and Wall was with the Wizards.