Lakers rumors: How LA can get Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook

Once they acquire Anthony Davis, getting the attention of Russell Westbrook becomes much easier. While he might be a wonderful player to watch and even root for in the absence of Kevin Durant, he won’t be enough to bring a title to Oklahoma City.

Add to that the fact that a super team might be the only thing that keeps Kevin Durant from a championship and you’ve got a heck of an elevator pitch.

Eventually, as much as he might not want to admit it, the hype will catch up to him. He’ll see not just Durant but also James Harden, an ex-OKC teammate, succeeding elsewhere. The Thunder know they’re nothing without him, so they’ll throw money his way if it comes down to it.

The problem with that approach is that money doesn’t always solve problems.

Westbrook has some strong roots in Los Angeles, as he played his college ball at UCLA.

Magic Johnson and the rest of the Lakers organization would be wise to use that as part of their pitch, along with the fact that Davis would be in the picture, if not at least the conversation, by then.

All they’d need is to have him agree to give it a shot. They don’t necessarily have to hold him down there for the rest of his career — just give him a two, maybe three-year deal and call it good. Whatever could be worked out is worth it in the end.

They just need to time it right, as that’s cost them free agents in the past.