Shocking information about Russell Westbrook’s Lakers future

The Los Angeles Lakers have started to straighten the ship a bit in recent weeks. But despite their improved game, they still struggle to finish matches and get some wins. Right now, they’re 11-16 on the season, in fact as close to a spot in the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference as they are to last place.

This team urgently needs to make a trade and bring some talent into the roster. It’s certainly disheartening that Anthony Davis is playing at an MVP level, and the team is still struggling to rack up wins.

The only player involved in the most trade talks this season is Russell Westbrook. After another shaky start to the season, Westbrook has found his footing by coming off the bench and leading the second unit. His improved production coming off the bench has changed the franchise’s outlook on getting a deal around him.

According to Sam Amick of The Athletic, the chances of moving Westbrook are getting smaller by the day. Not because of a bad market, but because the team likes how he’s been playing lately and believes they’re better off just riding things out.

According to a source with knowledge of the Lakers’ plans, Westbrook’s play over the past month has made it increasingly unlikely that he will be traded before the league deadline of February 9. Since becoming a sixth man on October 28, the 34-year-old, who is in the final year of his (massive) contract, averaged 15.2 points, 7.9 assists, 5.8 rebounds, 3.8 turnovers and 28.2 minutes. only six players (Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, Ja Morant, Pascal Siakam, Jrue Holiday and James Harden) have achieved that 15-7-and-5 points so far this season, with the Lakers going 11-12 in that span.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

It will take a little more than flirting with the .500 mark for the Lakers to make a run in the postseason. But the biggest takeaway is how comfortable Westbrook looked coming off the bench, likely prolonging his career.

Just a few months ago, analysts wondered if Westbrook was being traded and bought out if any team would even place a bet on him. Not only has he shown that he is willing to come off the bench, but he excels at it and is in a group with some excellent players.

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook & Los Angeles Lakers Updates

If Los Angeles wants to trade something, they’re going to have to get creative. They have no assets unless they make their picks from the first round of 2027 and 2029 available. But even when they do, they add protection to it, making them a less desirable asset. It’s something to keep an eye on, as the Lakers can’t afford to waste another year of LeBron James’ career and the season Davis is on.