Lakers vs. Nuggets Wednesday NBA injury report, odds: Russell Westbrook likely out, which may be a good thing for L.A.

There's no question that Russell Westbrook is a future Hall of Famer given his nine All-Star appearances, MVP win, pair of scoring titles, three assist titles and the fact he averaged a triple-double an incredible four different seasons. There's also no question that he is not a fit with the Los Angeles Lakers, and they might be better off tonight in Denver with Westbrook likely out (officially doubtful) due to a hamstring injury. The Nuggets are -5.5 at Caesars Sportsbook.

The Lakers need perimeter shooting in the worst way. They are 25-for-118 from three-point range through their three games – all losses. In NBA history, there have been more than 6,100 instances of a team taking at least 100 threes over a three-game span. Los Angeles' 21.2% make rate is the second-lowest of any of them, only ahead of a span from the 2018 Hawks (21.0%).

In Sunday's 106-104 home upset loss to Portland, Westbrook was 0-for-3 from deep and 4-for-15 overall. First-year coach Darvin Ham benched Westbrook for the final three possessions. On the season, he's hitting just 28.9% from the field and a laughable 8.3% from deep. The Lakers have been outscored by 16 points with him on the court. To be fair to Westbrook, LeBron James is only shooting 25.9% from deep. Anthony Davis is at 20.0% and Patrick Beverley is at 21.4%.

It seems like a foregone conclusion that the Lakers are going to have to trade Westbrook, and one offshore book lists a Westbrook deal at some point before the trade deadline (Feb. 9) at -600 with No at +350.

The issue is that Westbrook is making about $47 million in the final year of his deal, so L.A. might have to throw in its first-round picks in both 2027 & '29 to get rid of him and land an actual contributor -- perhaps Indiana's Buddy Hield. That same offshore book does list Hield's Pacers as the +150 favorites to be Westbrook's next team if he's traded.

Los Angeles is also listing James and Davis as probable tonight, but they are going to get that designation for every game.

Denver might not have Michael Porter Jr. as he's questionable due to injury management. Porter Jr. is recovering from another back surgery last year. He has been great so far, averaging 18.0 points per game on 51% overall shooting and 50% from deep along with 5.8 rebounds. The Nuggets were 2-1 vs. the Lakers last season. 

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