NBA Rumors: LeBron James Hasn't Pressured Lakers to Do Russell Westbrook-Pacers Trade

LeBron James has a lot of sway over the Los Angeles Lakers front office, but the superstar isn't trying to force a deal involving Russell Westbrook, according to Shams Charania, Sam Amick and Jovan Buha of The Athletic.

The Lakers have reportedly held talks with the Indiana Pacers about a potential Westbrook trade, but James has "applied no pressure" to complete a deal.

Instead, LeBron "has shown support publicly and privately to integrating Westbrook and playing with the former league MVP again this season."

Westbrook has been the subject of trade rumors throughout the offseason after a disappointing first season with the Lakers. The 33-year-old averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game in 2021-22 while the team struggled to a 33-49 record.

Los Angeles strengthened its backcourt this offseason with the additions of Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schröder, seemingly leaving Westbrook as the odd man out.

According to The Athletic, talks with the Pacers have centered around a deal that would send Westbrook and draft picks for center Myles Turner and guard Buddy Hield. This would give the Lakers much-needed rim protection defensively as well as another scorer to take pressure off James and Anthony Davis.

The holdup has been the full compensation, with the Pacers seeking multiple unprotected first-round picks in the deal.

The 37-year-old James likely doesn't care about the Lakers' picks in 2027 or 2029. He should put his full support behind this type of deal even if it mortgages more of the team's future. However, he is seemingly content with the roster as assembled and ready to move forward with Westbrook.

New Lakers head coach Darvin Ham has also said he is "absolutely" treating Westbrook as a starter heading into the preseason.