Westbrook To Lakers Rumors Heat Up After Unusual Social Media Activity

The Los Angeles Lakers are expected to go after another superstar, and recent social media activity suggested this big name could be Russell Westbrook. Considering the big financial package that the former NBA MVP carries, this may only push through via a blockbuster trade.

Westbrook joining LeBron James and Anthony Davis would be a big move by general manager Rob Pelinka and company if it happens. But it would not be easy, and sealing a deal would be complicated in the offseason.

Based on James and Davis' recent social media activity, something could be cooking. An Instagram user pointed out that the two Lakers stars have started to follow Russell Westbrook’s wife, Nina Earl, on the platform. This has sparked speculation that the 32-year-old could be donning the purple and gold next season.

The development could mean something or nothing. However, a move to Los Angeles for Westbrook is possible if the Lakers can convince the Washington Wizards to agree to a trade.

Similar to the Davis trade, sealing a deal for the nine-time All-Star would require several assets. The Lakers could dangle Montrezl Harrell, Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a 2023 second-round pick and a 2024 second-round pick, according to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report.

However, there are things to consider in this scenario. The first is that Harrell has yet to decide whether or not he will pick up his player option for the coming NBA season.

As mentioned in a previous report, the 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year winner signed a two-year deal last offseason worth $19 million. He is due to make $9.7 million for next season, and pundits feel that Harrell is likely to opt out, knowing that he could get better offers in free agency.

If Harrell does opt out, the Lakers will have to look for another player to add to that trade package for the Wizards. That all depends on who may still be around once the 2020-21 season wraps up.

Westbrook is due to make $44 million next season and holds a player option worth $47 million the season after. For the Wizards, that is a hefty price to pay, especially if they have no clear shot at winning an NBA title.

Hence, dealing the fourth overall pick of the 2018 NBA Draft in exchange for multiple assets could make sense. Westbrook holds career averages of 23.2 points, 8.5 assists and 7.4 rebounds in 943 games. If the Lakers can pull it off, Westbrook could fill in that lacking playmaking and scoring void perfectly.

Photo: Getty Images | Carmen Mandato