The Los Angeles Lakers have needed to trade Russell Westbrook for so long that they may not need to trade Russell Westbrook anymore. Things can change in the NBA and that’s perhaps one of the greatest recent examples.

Don’t look now, but the Lakers have won 8 of their last 10 contests. It took a while, but this group is finally starting to look like bonafide NBA contenders. 

Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised. This is a team that features two former MVPs in LeBron James and Russell Westbrook – and Anthony Davis.

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With Anthony Davis in MVP Form, Lakers Should Go All-In This Trade Season

Frankly, they probably should have been showing signs of life quite some time ago. 

At least they’re here now. At the same time, it’s hard to picture a Lakers’ title run in 2022-23. They may be knocking on the door of contention, but at the same time, a major deal could bust that door wide open. 

Here are three we think they ought to consider. 

 

Lakers Land DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic

Chicago Bulls Receive: G Russell Westbrook, 2027 First-Round Pick (LAL), 2029 First-Round Pick (LAL) 

Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G/F DeMar DeRozan , C Nikola Vucevic 

We said the Lakers didn’t have to trade Westbrook. We didn’t say they couldn’t. 

If the offer is right, they may want to entertain it. This offer is right – and just as importantly, it wouldn’t shock us if the Chicago Bulls offered it. 

After all, this team has had a rough 2022-23. At 9-14, they’ve fallen well short of expectations. For that reason, many expect them to be big sellers as this season wears on.