Los Angeles keeps coming up as a potential destination for LeBron James if he decides to leave Cleveland next summer, but that would likely only happen if at least one other star came to the Lakers with him. Paul George is the most obvious candidate, but what about Russell Westbrook?
Westbrook still has yet to sign the five-year, $207 million extension the Thunder offered him. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, there have been “whispers” that LeBron would love to play with Westbrook, though it still seems unlikely that the star point guard would leave Oklahoma City.
Whispers around the NBA suggest James would love to team up with the explosive guard.
How would teams defend two triple-double powerhouses like James and Westbrook?
On most nights, they don’t…
That said, when asked, various NBA executives believe Westbrook will eventually sign his deal with the Thunder.
George may be more attainable, especially with the Lakers essentially off the hook for the tampering charge levied by the Pacers.
Westbrook has made it no secret that he disagrees with Kevin Durant turning his back on OKC, so how would it look if he did the same? That said, George probably isn’t going to re-sign with the Thunder, which could leave Westbrook with a difficult decision to make if he wants to pursue an NBA title.
For now, LeBron is giving no indication that he intends to leave the Cavs. We know how quickly that could change, but does leaving the Eastern Conference make any sense for him? The West is loaded, and playing for the Lakers would mean James would have to get through the Warriors before even reaching the NBA Finals. If his only priority is piling up rings, L.A. probably isn’t the best option — with or without Westbrook as a teammate.
H/T NJ.com
