The 2021-22 season was one hectic ride and the Golden State Warriors were the last men standing to come out as the NBA Champions. It has been a decent season for many but not for the LA Lakers. The Los Angeles team could not make the playoffs after their loss to the Phoenix Suns, which was their seventh in a row.
Lakers reportedly looking to trade Russell Westbrook for Bradley Beal
Russell Westbrook‘s Lakers career has not been what he imagined it to be before the move. The former Oklahoma City Thunder star has failed to make an impact on the court for the Los Angeles franchise. The Lakers were one of the title contenders when the move happened. They boasted a star-studded offense of LeBron James, Anthony Davis & Westbrook himself.
Westbrook is eligible to earn around a staggering $47m for the 2022-23 season. Since Davis and James are not going anywhere, reports mention that the Lakers are looking to offload Westbrook. The reason for this would be his injuries and the lack of chemistry with the team, which meant it turned out that the Lakers made a bad bet on the trade.
The Lakers are interested in acquiring Beal and don’t seem fazed by the $245m they would have to spend on him. Their brand exposure is almost second to none and this helps them to raise funds. Everyone knows that money wouldn’t an issue for them since they are willing to take another risky bet on Beal.
It is also mentioned that the interest may not even be mutual. According to reports, there is also interest from Miami Heat for Beal. However, everyone knows the relationship between Beal and Jayson Tatum might be enough to lure Beal to the Boston Celtics. Many would like to see the 28-year-old in LA instead of Westbrook. Nonetheless, it is also a question of whether he will be able to link up with them better.
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