Trade talks are heating up around the NBA now that plays signed during the offseason are eligible to be included in potential deals.
There has been no real shortage of trade rumors regarding the Los Angeles Lakers, especially when it comes to Russell Westbrook. He has seemingly been perpetually on the trade block dating back to at least January of last season.
Ever since he was moved to the bench, he has been playing better, as well as a more positive element on the court, even though his stats may not reflect it.
As a result, the chances of the Lakers trading him have reportedly gone significantly down.
Via The Athletic:
“According to a source with knowledge of the Lakers’ plans, Westbrook’s play this past month has made it increasingly unlikely that he will be traded before the league’s Feb. 9 deadline.”
So far in December, Westbrook is shooting just 41.4 percent from the field and a frigid 15.0 percent from 3-point range (he was at a very solid 35.5 percent in November), but he’s also putting up 13.7 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8.3 assists per game.
His tendency to consistently push the pace, attack the paint and get others easy baskets has infused the team whenever he has come onto the court off the bench.
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Story originally appeared on LeBron Wire
