Things haven’t gone well for Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers so far during the early stage of the 2022-23 NBA season. A trade still seems to be the best outcome for both parties.

Westbrook’s inability to play alongside LeBron James in 2021-22 led to perhaps the most disappointing season in Los Angeles Lakers history. If they enter 2022-23 with him on the roster, it’s hard to imagine how they’ll make meaningful gains. 

Moving him may not be as difficult as one would think.

NBA

Lakers Could Land 3 Players If They Trade Russell Westbrook To The Mavs In 3-Team Deal

Recently, it’s been reported that an anonymous NBA executive referred to the Lakers’ 2027 and 2029 first-round picks as “the most powerful” assets in the NBA. 

Of course, that’ll give the Lakers pause when it comes to parting with them. It shouldn’t. With a 37-year-old James on the backend of his prime, the Lakers can’t spare any expenses towards improving next season. 

Here are the three best Russell Westbrook trades that will allow them to do so:

 

Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F Buddy Hield, C Myles Turner 

Get used to seeing those picks attached to Westbrook’s name in these proposals. We’re taking “best” packages to mean the packages that will help the win-now Lakers, well, win. Now. 

This deal would do exactly that. In fact, it may further the Lakers’ cause more than any other potential deal. Perhaps that’s why it’s so frequently rumored. 

Myles Turner seems like the perfect big man to put alongside Anthony Davis. The two would give the Lakers a modernized Twin Towers look. Turner’s floor-spacing keeps driving and passing lanes open for James.

On the other end, his elite rim protection in drop coverage allows Davis to function where he seems to prefer – as a free safety and weak side shot blocker. 

Meanwhile, Hield has always been a perfect target for the Lakers. In all likelihood, that’s why they nearly acquired him last summer. He’s one of the most consistent three-point threats in the NBA, and shooters, without fail, thrive alongside LeBron James. 

Some will suggest that if this deal was going to get done, it would have already. We’re not sure what’s holding it up – the benefit to the Lakers is obvious, and the Indiana Pacers ought to value these two picks as a rebuilding organization.