Lakers: Ranking which superstars will join LA in 2018 after Melo trade
By Jason Reed
3. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is another interesting name that is tied with the Los Angeles Lakers. After talks of LeBron coming to the Staples Center began to pick up, Westbrook became the front-runner to be LeBron’s running mate for the NBA Championship. The 2017 NBA MVP and triple-double king can be a free agent as early as next season.
Especially with Kevin Durant packing his bags and heading to Golden State, Westbrook’s motives to join LeBron in LA are justified. While it may not be fair the Oklahoma City, it would help Westbrook on his path to redemption to take KD out once and for all. KD has Stephen Curry, Westbrook has LeBron.
However, there are some roadblocks in the way of a Westbrook-Lakers partnership. First and foremost, the second overall selection in the 2017 NBA Draft, Lonzo Ball. Ball was just drafted, and like the issue with Carmelo Anthony and Brandon Ingram, is set to be the future of this young Lakers team.
Bringing in Westbrook next season does not give the Lakers enough time to fairly evaluate the young star. Ball looks to have something special, he definitely has that it factor. No rookie has been talked about this much since, well, maybe LeBron James himself.
A move to shooting guard simply does not make sense for Westbrook or Ball, either. Chances are, this dream partnership of LeBron and Westbrook in Los Angeles is not going to come to fruition. But hey, maybe the two play styles wouldn’t mesh together well anyway.
Chance of joining LA in 2018: 15%