Ahead of the NBA Draft 2021, reports emerging from the US suggests the Lakers are hoping to land Washington Wizards point guard and three-pointer maestro Russell Westbrook on a trade that involves several key assets of the Los Angeles team.  

If confirmed, this would be the fourth team Westbrook represents in as many seasons. 

The Lakers would offer Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and the No. 22 pick in this year’s draft to the Wizards in exchange for Westbrook and his incredible playmaking abilities, according to a report from The Athletics.

Reportedly, Westbrook wants to call it quits with the Wizards and returning to his LA roots is something that excited the 32-year-old. In Anthony Davis and LeBron James, the Lakers already have firepower upfront. But with the addition of Westbrook, the 2019-20 NBA champions can remedy their poor show in the playoffs last season.

Meanwhile, the Wizards might be open to agreeing to the deal as the move will allow them considerable salary cap flexibility. Going forward, the Washington side is planning to base the team around talisman Bradley Beal and add some exciting young talents, who can partner with Beal.

Westbrook is in the middle of a five-year, $206.8 million contract that he signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder. He is scheduled to earn $44 million in 2021-22 with a player option for 2022.

In the 2020-21 season, the Lakers advanced to the first round of the Western Conference playoffs as the No. 7 seed. The Phoenix Suns, the eventual finalists, defeated the Lakers in six games in the first round. 

Also Thursday, the Lakers reportedly were looking into a possible trade with the Sacramento Kings for Buddy Hield, according to ESPN. 

Neither Lakers trade scenario has yet been agreed upon, but reports suggest the Lakers’ activity portends at least one big move to get James and Davis a third superstar for the upcoming season.