The Los Angeles Lakers know they need big names to replace Kobe Bryant once he retires. The team will be left with a lot of youth and no real veteran leadership or star talent. They are hoping their solid amount of cap space can result in something while they look at their options over the next two years. With Kevin Durant a priority, Russell Westbrook is being listed as an option as well in 2017, something he admits does not interest him.
It is far too early to begin talking about Westbrook and his free agency stint which is still over a year away. However, ESPN's Stephen A. Smith got the ball rolling early when he reported that their is a good chance the Lakers land Durant this year and then bring Westbrook in the year after that. However, the Oklahoma City Thunder point guard shook off the idea during the All-Star Weekend. When asked about playing for the Lakers, Westbrook responded via FOXSports.com, "Nah, I like where I am now. Oklahoma City is a great place for me."
Sure, Westbrook likes the Thunder now, but will that stand if Durant departs? At this point, no one knows what Durant is going to do come the offseason and therefore no speculation can be made about Westbrook. The Lakers are desperate for upgrades, so naturally they will get linked to big deals, but there is not guarantee anything happens.
The Lakers reported interest in Westbrook is coming from their frustrations over D'Angelo Russell. The rookie point guard is not exactly thriving like Los Angeles was hoping he would. Russell has not been a consistent starter while getting benched several times. When asked about his struggles so far this year, Russell admitted that playing with Kobe Bryant is hard and he is patiently waiting for his chance to be able to take over games.
"Honestly, it's hard. It's not easy," Russell said, via SportingNews.com. "He's a guy that's earned every shot he's taken and earned every minute he's given. So you feel like being a rookie, but you feel like you've worked to be in his position so early. But you've just got to be patient."
If Russell continues to struggle this year, the Lakers could be in the market for a point guard upgrade. The team has Jordan Clarkson entering restricted free agency. He will be a sought after target. The Lakers could take aim at Rajon Rondo or Brandon Jennings who are playing on expiring deals while Jeff Teague might find himself available as well. They will have options that do not include Westbrook.
