LA Lakers Rumors Roundup: Team wanted to trade Russell Westbrook before moving for Dennis Schroder, Lakers expected to have multiple options once teams start tanking, and more | October 17, 2022

The LA Lakers desperately wanted to trade Russell Westbrook and only signed Dennis Schroder for insurance, as per recent reports. Schroder’s incredible performance at EuroBasket 2022 sped up the Lakers’ front office decision to acquire the German point guard.

The wait-and-see approach that the LA Lakers are using on Westbrook could be based on the 2023 NBA Draft. With Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson expected to join the draft, tanking teams could become willing partners in a trade.

The LA Lakers didn’t think the Anthony Davis they traded for was the franchise player they were looking for post-LeBron James last season. AD has often been injured and has also played out of shape, raising concerns that prime Davis was a thing of the past.

Here are the latest rumors involving the LA Lakers as of Oct. 17, 2022:

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The LA Lakers wanted to build a more balanced supporting cast around LeBron James by trading Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook's future with the Lakers still seems to be in doubt

After Russell Westbrook decided to opt into the final year of his contract, the LA Lakers reportedly wanted to trade the point guard. Only their stubborn insistence not to include the 2027 and 2029 future first-round picks has stalled any trade talks.

LA was rumored to be willing to include those unprotected draft picks only for Kyrie Irving or Donovan Mitchell. With Irving staying in Brooklyn and Mitchell going to Cleveland, the Lakers had no choice but to keep Westbrook ahead of training camp.

ESPN’s Dave McMenamin reported on the LA Lakers’ plan regarding Westbrook:

“The Lakers originally planned to have found a trade partner for Westbrook before signing Schroder, sources said.

“But after the point guard's strong showing for Germany in the FIBA EuroBasket tournament generated interest around the league, L.A. signed him before another team could.”

LA Lakers head coach Darvin Ham put “Russ” to the bench for the Lakers' final pre-season game against the Sacramento Kings. It marked the first such instance in Westbrook’s career since 2008.

Ham is reportedly looking to give it a long, thorough run when the season starts. This could signal a more robust approach by the Lakers to trade what could be the NBA’s most expensive backup.

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Tanking teams may open the door for more Russell Westbrook trade scenarios

Russell Westbrook in action for the Lakers

Victor Wenbanyama and Scoot Henderson wowed the crowd during their exhibition games in Las Vegas. They more than lived up to the hype that has been following them since they reportedly wanted to be picked in the 2023 NBA Draft.

With both youngsters looking like future franchise players, several teams could be trying harder than usual to tank this season. As such, the LA Lakers may become one of the indirect beneficiaries.

NBA Insider Dave McMenamin had this to report on how next year’s draft could impact the Westbrook issue in LA:

“More and more potential trade partners will open up as teams will be tantalized to join in the tankathon to get to the top of the 2023 NBA draft where a generational talent in Victor Wembanyama and a blue chip prospect in Scoot Henderson await.”

If the trade happens around next year’s trade deadline, more than half of Russell Westbrook’s massive $47.1 million salary would have been paid. That alone could encourage more teams to trade for an expiring contract along with at least one future first-round pick.

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The LA Lakers’ evaluation of Anthony Davis dipped last season

Anthony Davis has endured plenty of injuries since joining the Lakers

The LA Lakers mortgaged their future to acquire Anthony Davis from the New Orleans Pelicans in 2020. Despite the high price, the move quickly paid dividends as LA hoisted that year’s championship trophy.

Since then, AD has hardly been healthy and has often played out of shape. He's played a total of 76 games in the last two years and looked past his best seasons.

Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported on the rumors of the LA Lakers’ think tank regarding Anthony Davis’ stature in the franchise:

“Apart from missing more games that he played in for the Lakers the last two seasons, there was a sentiment within the team's front office last season that Davis didn't look like the franchise player they thought they had coming off the 2020 championship, sources said.”

Anthony Davis has looked like his old self in this year's preseason games, reminding everyone that when healthy and engaged, he’s still an elite talent. But injuries are unfortunately never far from the eight-time All-Star.

The Lakers would have wanted to see more of him under Darvin Ham, but had to be extra cautious as he suffered back tightness. He is expected to be fit for their opening-night game against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday.

Regardless, if AD still can’t shake off the injury bug, the Lakers’ season could already be doomed.