LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 10: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers talks with media during a press conference at Staples Center on August 10, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers acquiring Russell Westbrook is an LA-style move at its core: the ethos of the city has always been to either go big or go home. Lakers GM Rob Pelinka made this trade with winning future championships in mind.
Ultimately, the Lakers wanted a third superstar. Russell Westbrook was the only one realistically available in the trade market.