Would Trading Russell Westbrook to Utah Be a Better Option for the Lakers?

A new trade possibility emerged for the Lakers (and Russell Westbrook), at least in theory. According to Michael Scotto of Hoopshype reported late last week that Los Angeles could get itself involved in the talks between New York and Utah around Donovan Mitchell, whether as literal players in that hypothetical swap (turning it into a three-team deal) or as a vulture picking at the carcass of a now rebuilding Jazz squad. But the bones of a deal: Westbrook and a first rounder for two of Bojan Bogdanovic, Jordan Clarkson, Malik Beasley and Pat Beverley. Is this a good idea? Well, it depends on a few things, namely whether the Lakers could maneuver to a place where they could absorb as much unpleasant money tied to useful-but-overpaid players without surrendering significant assets. Draft capital, specifically. If that's an option? Sure, let's break Westbrook up into smaller contracts, and add some useful players in return. But if that's not an option? While many fans would appreciate the opportunity to dump Russ and could feel good about that, would any combination of two players in that group improve the team enough to matter? And what about the opportunity costs that come with the inability to be players in a future deal? These are the questions the Lakers have to consider. Oh, and the Lakers have met with LeBron and his representation about a potential extension. Talks, which are just beginning and under no real clock, were deemed positive by Dave McMenamin at ESPN. Which is great. Lakers fans might get antsy... but should they? At what point is concern warrented? HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: The Lakers and LeBron are talking. SEGMENT 2: The Utah Jazz might be an option for Russell Westbrook. Are they a good one? SEGMENT 3: How the Jazz trade compares to other options on the table. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order. BetOnline BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices