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Russell Westbrook with the Washington Wizards
Photo:
Nick Wass / AP
The NBA record champions Los Angeles Lakers are strengthening themselves after matching media reports with Russell Westbrook of the Washington Wizards.
For this, the Lakers give Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Montrezl Harrell to Washington, as reported by the AP news agency, among others.
The change can only be officially announced on August 6th, when players can be signed for the new season.
However, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also revealed as part of the NBA draft on Friday night that the rights of Isaiah Jackson, selected by the Lakers in 22nd position, will change to the Indiana Pacers via the Wizards.
In return, the Lakers are expected to receive two second-round picks from the Wizards in 2024 and 2028.
Westbrook is already saying goodbye to Washington
Meanwhile, 32-year-old Westbrook said goodbye to Washington on social media: “I will forever be grateful and appreciate my experience in the organization.
Thank you! ”He wrote on Twitter.
The nine-time all-star and most valuable player of the 2016/17 season recorded a so-called triple double on average in his only season for the Wizards.
Change could have an impact on Dennis Schröder
No player has achieved more triple doubles in the NBA than Westbrook, in 2014/15 and 2016/17 he was the professional with the best points average in the main round.
Together with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, Westbrook should lead the Lakers to their 18th title.
The Los Angeles Lakers had become champions for the 17th time in 2020, but were eliminated in the preseason - also due to injury problems of their superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis - in the first playoff round against the Phoenix Suns.
The contract of the German national player Dennis Schröder had expired after the season.
He is also on the market as a so-called free agent.
The 27-year-old is said to have turned down an offer from the Lakers to extend the collaboration for four years and $ 84 million.
Schröder, who is missing from the German team at the Olympic Games in Tokyo because of the insurance requirements, had recently always emphasized that he wanted to stay in LA.
Like the expensive Westbrook, he plays as a point guard.
ngo / dpa / sid
