The Los Angeles Lakers had long been rumored to be mulling a blockbuster Russell Westbrook trade which would see Pacers’ Buddy Hield and Myles Turner head to L.A. While nothing ever materialized, the trade rumors surrounding Russ, and the likelihood of Indiana as a landing spot, have not ceased. Now, it’s been revealed why the Lakers didn’t pull the trigger on the deal ahead of the regular season, despite having given it serious consideration.

According to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, there are two key reasons the Lakers resisted the chance to trade Westbrook this offseason. Via McMenamin:

“The Lakers decided that giving up both their 2027 and 2029 first-round picks — the only future first-round assets they have in their draft chest — was too steep a price to pay for a haul that wouldn’t indisputably propel them to contender status, sources said.