The Rockets would have an interest in trading point guard John Wall to the Lakers for point guard Russell Westbrook if Houston also received other assets in return, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Houston would also seek “significant draft compensation” for taking on Westbrook, Stein added.
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.
Meanwhile, Westbrook has proven to be a clunky fit next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis (when healthy), as the Lakers have experienced a fairly uneven season. Coach Frank Vogel did not play Westbrook in the final 3:52 of LA’s loss to the Pacers on Wednesday.
Westbrook, 33, was acquired by the Lakers from the Wizards in a multiteam trade this past offseason. He is averaging 18.5 points, 8.5 assists and 7.8 rebounds in 45 games.
While this possibility is sure to create some buzz, Stein reported a Wall-for-Westbrook deal is unlikely to take place before the Feb. 10 trade deadline.
“With Wall not currently playing and no buyout on the horizon, the Rockets are unlikely to find another trade option before his contract expires in 2023,” RealGM wrote. “… The Lakers could offer their 2027 first round pick or multiple second rounders. Westbrook wouldn’t play for the Rockets, just as Wall hasn’t played since last season.”
Interestingly, Westbrook was traded by the Rockets to the Wizards for Wall back in 2020. Houston received a first-round pick as part of that deal.
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