NBA: Russell Westbrook focus on Lakers-Jazz trade talks—report
Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers has a few words for the fans during the game against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on February 02, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Andy Lyons/Getty Images/AFP
The Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz have held “exploratory conversations” about a potential trade of nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook, Bleacher Report said Friday.
Westbrook, 34, is averaging 15.7 points, 6.3 rebounds and 7.6 assists over 28.8 minutes per game off the bench as the Lakers’ sixth man.
Bleacher Report said the Lakers are communicating with most NBA teams as they tinker with the roster toward a playoff push.
They are looking for a top shooter to complement stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis, and reportedly have their sights set on Bojan Bogdanovic of the Detroit Pistons.
The Lakers acquired forward Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards on Jan. 23 for veteran guard Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks.
Los Angeles (25-28) sits in 12th place in the Western Conference, one game out of the play-in round. The Jazz (27-26) are in ninth place.
