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One crazy Russell Westbrook-Julius Randle trade that actually makes sense

By Allen Settle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he was fouled by Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 23: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts after he was fouled by Quentin Grimes of the New York Knicks in the first half at Madison Square Garden on November 23, 2021 in New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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New York Knicks, Julius Randle, Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook
Julius Randle, New York Knicks. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Why would the Lakers consider this trade?

There is only one real answer to this question. Ironically, it is the same answer that allegedly caused LA to add Westbrook in the first place: LeBron James.

Despite 18 years in the NBA, 37-year-old James was still a force on the court this past year. Had he not been nagged by minor injuries, King James could have easily won a scoring title this season.

However, despite an unprecedented level of play from James, the Lakers were one of the biggest disappointments of the season, failing to make the play-in tournament. While James and Anthony Davis remain in place, Westbrook’s contract prevents any real rebuild as the franchise attempts to run things back in 2023.

The above trade proposal is a steep price for the Lakers. But the ask of THT and two first-round picks that won’t be used until the absolute twilight of James’ career isn’t unreasonable.

The aforementioned mock trades proposed by Zach Lowe each had multiple first-round picks going from the Lakers to the team that takes on Westbrook’s contract. And no other option put Los Angeles in a position to add a recent All-Star and shooting talent to the roster.

Adding a legitimate (though sub-All-Star) talent in Randle, and shooters in Fournier and Burks would create spacing and depth that would be impossible with Westbrook on the roster. It would also free up LA to make other small moves to build around their star duo.

LeBron-led teams have a reputation for parting with draft capital and young assets to create a win-now depth chart. If James will have any possibility of competing for a championship in Los Angeles again, the franchise must consider parting with what little future capital they have left.

If the Knicks played their cards right, they might just be able to capitalize on the Lakers’ desperation as they seek to reboot their own roster.

Don’t let the bad mock trades sending Westbrook to the Knicks as an on-court savior frustrate you into ignoring the potential here. There is a hypothetical Westbrook for Randle trade that makes fair sense for the Knicks.

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