Kevin Durant decision will have profound impact on the Los Angeles Lakers

While the Kevin Durant decision left us speechless, the aftermath will have a direct impact on the Los Angeles Lakers.

After the moves that Los Angeles has made in the free agency period thus far, the idea that Kevin Durant’s new home would change their luck so much may not have been in the cards to the degree it should have been.

Monday marked a historic day in the NBA, as Durant’s decision to team up with the already incredible Golden State Warriors will shake the league tremendously moving forward.

Durant’s near-decade with the Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t come without plenty of opportunities to achieve basketball’s ultimate dream, but the former league MVP saw a chance at a title he didn’t want to let pass by.

Now that the Thunder know he won’t be returning to them, what they do with the rest of the guys is going to be watched very closely.

Nobody seems to be safe, including fellow superstar Russell Westbrook, who could find himself anywhere from getting traded, gifted with an extension, or allowed to freely speak to and potentially sign with other teams next summer.

While the Thunder don’t seem to really be winners as a result of the long-awaited decision, the Lakers should be taking strong note of the fact that Westbrook could end up on the block.

According to a report from ESPN, trading Westbrook would come into play if he decides not to extend his current contract with the team.

Per the report:

"If Westbrook chooses not to extend his contract this summer, multiple league executives told ESPN they believe the Thunder will consider fielding trade offers for Westbrook."

Los Angeles would have to tread carefully if they wanted to pursue Westbrook, but one of the pulls that they have compared to other teams that might try and make a move is their access to stuff of Westbrook’s interest off the floor.

Sure, a young team with a new coach and fresh perspective is nice and all, but with a central focus on fashion, entertainment, and new business endeavors galore, it could lure in one of the best point guards in the game.

Not to mention the fact that Westbrook played college basketball with the UCLA Bruins, so in a way, it’d be an opportunity to represent a community close to him now that he won’t have Durant’s help.

Next: Lakers Pick Up Luol Deng

While the basketball world continues to process yet another stunning free agency decision, the Lakers shouldn’t hesitate to make another legitimate move in free agency and need to have their hand on the trigger in order to do so.