Three NBA Teams Where Lakers’ Triple-Double Star Could End Up After Current Season

KEY POINTS

Russell Westbrook may be the player that the Pelicans need to get them on the winning track
The Sixers could go after Westbrook to address their playmaking void and the Ben Simmons drama
The Blazers may consider Westbrook if Damian Lillard decides to join a contender squad next season

Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Lakers looms as one of the top free agents after the 2021-22 NBA season.

With the 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player expected to demand big money, his chances of staying in Hollywood are not so bright.

While there is a chance that LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook could connive to restructure the franchise's financial capacity, there is also the chemistry factor to worry about.

This early, the 32-year-old has been struggling to get his usual game going because he is in an entirely different role.

Time will only tell if the Westbrook acquisition will reap dividends.

In the event things don’t work out, the 6-foot-3 guard is expected to have multiple offers on the table. Here are some of them.

Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers have a problem with Ben Simmons and made it clear that they want a player equal or better than the Australian cager.

No team is willing to take in the 2018 NBA Rookie of the Year, largely because of his hefty contract that has roughly $147 million left.

Westbrook would address the playmaking hole that head coach Doc Rivers has right now.

Pairing him up with Joel Embiid could do wonders, potentially the last pawn to help Philly win an NBA title.

Portland Trail Blazers

Although he is still around, there is no telling what is going on in the mind of Damian Lillard.

But in the event he does decide to move out and join another team, the Trail Blazers may look into the possibility of getting Westbrook if he is available in the offseason.

The former NBA MVP could form a new tandem with CJ McCollum should this scenario pop up in the offseason.

But an interest by the Trail Blazers would depend if Lillard requests for a trade at some point moving forward.

New Orleans Pelicans

The New Orleans Pelicans, a team oozing with young talent, could be an interesting landing spot for Westbrook.

The franchise needs veteran leadership, not to mention a playmaker who can help Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson be more effective.

But joining the Pelicans means Westbrook would have to start from scratch and tow a team to glory with risks involved.

Westbrook may be beneficial to New Orleans to improve their campaign. The nine-time All-Star may be open to it if the price is right–and possibly if he wins his first NBA title with the Lakers this season.