Report: Lakers not willing to attach pick in Russell Westbrook trade

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – MARCH 16: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after getting called for a foul against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the fourth quarter at Target Center on March 16, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Lakers 124-104. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

The Los Angeles Lakers wrapped up a terrible regular season that saw them miss the postseason entirely. Now, they’ll be looking to make some big-time changes that likely include moving on from Russell Westbrook.

When the Lakers traded for Westbrook last offseason, they were expected to fight for a championship. Instead, they found themselves fighting for a Play-In spot… and failed.

Westbrook clearly did not mesh well with the Lakers, but now, with his massive contract, trading him will be no easy feat. And according to recent reports, it may actually be impossible.

Report: Lakers not willing to attach pick in Russell Westbrook trade

Jovan Buha of The Athletic (subscription required) reported that his sources have told him that teams around the league are asking for at least one first-rounder in any deal where they would have to take on Westbrook’s contract. (H/T Bleacher Report)

The former MVP is set to make roughly $47.1 million next season if he chooses to accept his player option (which is almost certain). That will make him the second-highest paid player in the NBA.

Reports came out at the trade deadline this year that the Houston Rockets would have been willing to trade the Lakers John Wall for Westbrook and a first. LA wasn’t willing to make the trade, and recent reports have revealed that they still aren’t.

Buha mentioned that the Lakers do not plan on attaching a pick to Westbrook. In fact, some of Buha’s sources told him that the Lakers believe a new coach could help improve the fit of Westbrook alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The trio of Westbrook, James, and Davis played in just 21 games together last season. And while that may not be a large sample size, they only managed to win 11 of the 21.

During his exit interview, Westbrook went on a rampage, blaming multiple members of the Lakers organization for the team’s downfall. But despite all that, the Lakers still seem content keeping him on the team for next year.

While that may not seem like an ideal plan, LA seems dead-set on not trading any of their picks in a deal to offload Westbrook. We’ll see how that works out for them…