Lakers possible Russell trade with Utah Jazz depends on Jarred Vanderbilt

What seems to be one of the last options for a possible trade of Russell Westbrook this offseason for the Lakers depends on Jarred Vanderbilt's destination. After a long summer for the Lakers trying to get a team interested enough for a Russell trade without compromising their first-round picks, it could finally happen.

It is rumored that the hold-up on talks around the Russ to Utah trade is strictly about Jarred Vanderbilt. The Lakers want him, and the Jazz intends to keep him. Teams are remaining in contact, trying to work out a deal.

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The negotiation outcome will depend on whether Jazz wants to retain Jarred or is just a strategy to increase his value and get more out of the trade. This could be the last opportunity that Lakers fans have been waiting for LA to get rid of Westbrook.

Even after the last couple of weeks, the Lakers have been all about solving all issues with Westbrook, his trade is still an extensive possibility because initially, the purple and gold didn't have him in mind for next season, but his possible continuity with the LA franchise is more force than desired from both parties.

Laker fans and even some NBA analysts don't buy the new relationship between Pat & Russ.

Its common knowledge that the Lakers want Russell out, and while they have hardly tried to change the tune on it and now suddenly giving all the support, some fans and NBA commentators think that is all part of a marketing strategy from Jeanie Buss and GM Rob Pelinka to increase Westbrook value and make his trade a possibility.