The Russell Westbrook trade saga for the Lakers this past offseason is one that seemingly has endless branches to it. The front office really appeared to have exhausted all sorts of options they felt available to them, including some unlikely ones.
The San Antonio Spurs have been the team in the background of these talks. While so much focus has been on the Hornets and Pacers and their bigger swing trade packages, the Spurs have appeared like something of a smaller, less risky bet.
While it’s hard to imagine a deal that would vault the Lakers into contention with the Spurs, that doesn’t mean the Lakers aren’t interested in making a trade, albeit at a smaller price.