Lakers Rumors: Three ways LA can land Russell Westbrook next summer
By Keith Rivas
Sell him on a superteam he can’t refuse
All of this talk about who the next superteam is going to be and how the Golden State Warriors will be dethroned is an interesting thing to throw Russell Westbrook’s name into. Having him in Los Angeles, the Lakers would absolutely be an immediate threat to the Warriors’ empire and might even run them out of town.
Factor in Paul George as well, the Lakers would have a star-studded starting lineup featuring an MVP, a serial All-Star, and two of the best young guns in the league. This, of course, leaves out who will be playing center next season, as that’s still to be determined.
Westbrook’s athleticism would just be part of the problem that a squad like this in Los Angeles could cause. Paul George has the size it takes to be a threat anywhere, and that’s something that Brandon Ingram could use as a teaching moment to help grow his own game.
Add then on top of all of that talent the fact that Lonzo Ball can pass you the ball wherever you are on the floor and the shot you get will almost always be the best one and the team looks like it’s right on par to compete with Golden State.
All of this point depends on what Russell Westbrook decides to do with a pending contract extension with the Thunder. Not signing it by the start of the regular season would seem to indicate that his love story with the organization that drafted him is coming to a close.
The icing on the cake is obviously trying to convince Westbrook that there’s no problem with making a homecoming. Plus, if Westbrook is serious about wanting to win a ring and not just pile up individual season awards and regular season accomplishments, joining the Lakers is his next step to getting to that plateau.
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He won’t say no at that point.