Lakers Rumors: If LA gets Westbrook, possible trade returns for Lonzo Ball
By Jason Reed
The latest Lakers rumors involve a potential partnership between two of the best in the NBA. However, this partnership leaves an odd man out.
Before anything, let’s make this clear: I do not think, or want, the Lakers to trade Lonzo Ball. Personally, I am a big Lonzo Ball fan and I would not want to see the Lakers give up the kind of talent he can be. So, before disregarding this, thinking that I want Ball out of Los Angeles, I don’t.
However, it is very possible that Ball could be the odd man out after this season. We have no idea how his rookie year is going to pan out. If the NBA Summer League is any indication, Ball is the best of the rookie class and may have the easiest transition to the NBA. Although his jump shot is funky, his playmaking prowess will make him successful in some regard.
The Rookie of the Year Award is Ball’s for the taking. Anything less and it may be deemed as a disappointing rookie campaign for the polarizing point guard.
Regardless of how this season pans out though, the latest Lakers rumors entail that Ball may be the odd one out after this season.
Recent reports indicate that LeBron James is eying a partnership with triple-double king Russell Westbrook. If you are unfamiliar, LeBron has been heavily tied to the Lakers and may look to set this partnership up in LA.
Of course, this leaves some complications for Los Angeles. If Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka were to go all in on this James-Westbrook tandem, here are three assets they could get in return for Ball.