To trade or ride with Russ ...

An opening to part with Russell Westbrook, when presumably none existed, has arisen for the Lakers. We examine their stance and the reasons behind it

A trade with the Houston Rockets to ship out Russell Westbrook is on the proverbial table for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Lakers, though, appear determined to stick with Westbrook through at least the rest of the season — which means holding onto their 2027 first-round draft pick for other potential trade opportunities.

League sources say that the Lakers,…