The Los Angeles Lakers Complete a 3-Team Trade to Part Ways with Russell Westbrook

• Sports

The Los Angeles Lakers have finally said goodbye to Russell Westbrook, but the outcome of the trade has left the Lakers with mixed feelings. The Lakers had a chance to acquire Kyrie Irving in exchange for Westbrook, but negotiations fell through and the team was forced to look for other options.

Westbrook Traded to Utah Jazz

Sources close to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski have confirmed that the Lakers agreed to trade Russell Westbrook to the Utah Jazz in a three-team, eight-player trade. The Lakers will reacquire point guard D'Angelo Russell from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange.

Additionally, the Lakers will receive Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt, while the Timberwolves will receive guards Mike Conley and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, along with some picks. The Utah Jazz will receive Juan Toscano-Anderson, Damian Jones, and a 2027 Lakers first-round pick.

The pick is top-four protected and if it does not fall into the top four, it will automatically convert to a 2027 second-round pick.

Failed Negotiations with Brooklyn Nets

The Lakers had originally offered the Brooklyn Nets Westbrook and two picks for Kyrie Irving.

However, the Nets requested for two additional players, which the Lakers did not agree to. This allowed the Dallas Mavericks to step in and offer Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith, ultimately acquiring Irving from the Lakers.

Westbrook's Career So Far

Russell Westbrook, 34, has now played for five different teams in the past five years. Prior to this, Westbrook spent 11 years in Oklahoma City, where he was a eight-time All-NBA team member and won the MVP award in 2017.

Despite being in his 15th NBA season, Westbrook still maintains his ability to fill up the stat sheet, being one of only six players to have at least four triple-doubles this season. However, Westbrook's production has declined this season, as he has moved to the bench.

He is currently averaging 15.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 7.5 assists, with a 41.7% shooting average, which ranks in the bottom 10 among players who attempt at least 12 field goals per game. Westbrook is in the final year of the five-year, maximum extension he signed with the Thunder back in 2017, and is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer.

New Additions to the Lakers Roster

The Lakers have acquired D'Angelo Russell, who started his career with the Lakers and was traded away in exchange for Brook Lopez in 2017. Along with Russell, the Lakers have added Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt to the roster.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have received Mike Conley and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, while Westbrook has ended up with the Utah Jazz, along with Juan Toscano-Anderson and Damian Jones. The Lakers may have finally rid themselves of Russell Westbrook, but the acquisition of a lesser player in D'Angelo Russell has left them with mixed emotions.