Who will LA Lakers get in exchange for Russell Westbrook as part of 3-team trade?

After being surrounded by trade rumors for more than a year, Russell Westbrook's time with the LA Lakers may finally be coming to an end. The Lakers are reportedly in discussions with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Utah Jazz on a three-team trade that will bring D'Angelo Russell, Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt to the Lakers, according to NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic.

"The Lakers, Jazz and Timberwolves are in discussions on a three-team deal that would send D’Angelo Russell to the Lakers, Russell Westbrook and draft compensation such as a first-round pick to Utah and Mike Conley Jr. to Minnesota, sources tell me and @Tjonesonthenba," Charania tweeted.

"Ongoing discussions have included Utah's Malik Beasley and Jarred Vanderbilt as part of the potential three-team deal to the Lakers, sources said. Sides are working through pick protections and additional draft compensation too, per sources."

The Lakers have been looking to move on from Westbrook since the 2021-2022 trade deadline as his fit with stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis has been questionable at best.

They have been unable to find a team willing to absorb his contract, which pays him $47 million this season, without significant draft compensation. With his contract set to expire following the season, the cost of unloading the 2016-2017 MVP has likely decreased.

How has Russell Westbrook fared in his LA Lakers tenure?

The LA Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook before last season with hopes that the nine-time All-Star would be able to carry the load if stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis were forced to miss time as they did in 2020-2021.

Westbrook struggled to adapt to his new role in his first season as, despite averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists, he shot 44.4% from the field, 29.8% from 3-point range and 66.7% from the free-throw line while averaging 3.8 turnovers per game.

His numbers and efficiency have decreased in his second year with the franchise. He is averaging 15.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 7.5 apg while shooting 41.7% from the field, 29.6% from 3-point range and 65.5% from the free-throw line and averaging 3.5 tpg.

While Westbrook may be able to perform better on a team where the offense runs through him, that has not been the case with the Lakers, who run their offense through LeBron. The team failed to make the postseason or play-in game last season, at 33-49, and are in danger of doing so again, at 25-30 this season, leading many to believe that a split may be best for both sides.