Where the Lakers stand after acquiring Russell Westbrook

Salary cap ramifications of the reported Westbrook trade, how Hield could still be in play, and projecting the Lakers luxury tax bill.

The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly agreed on a deal to acquire Russell Westbrook for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and the 21st overall pick in the 2021 draft. This trade comes as a huge surprise after nearly a week of speculation that the Lakers were in serious talks with the Sacramento Kings on a trade for Buddy Hield featuring Kuzma. It’s especially surprising considering it was reported that the Lakers were moving forward on a trade for Hield minutes before the Westbrook trade was reported.

Here’s where the Lakers roster stands now going forward salary cap-wise, in regards to Buddy Hield, and how expensive the roster could potentially get: