NBA Trade Rumors: Russell Westbrook Leaving Thunder For Dream Team Los Angeles Lakers?

Russell Westbrook may or may not be leaving the Oklahoma City Thunder, but NBA trade rumors have it he is headed to the Los Angeles Lakers after 17 months.

But Westbrook dismissed the talks placing him in under possible contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, Chat Sports said in an article.

"The jury remains out on the Lakers as a potential suitor, but we do know one thing -- Russell Westbrook isn't entertaining the Lakers as an option with a season and a half left on his deal with Oklahoma City," Chat Sports wrote.

The 27-year-old point guard was rumored to have dreams of being part of the Lakers even as a child, the site added.

Westbrook reportedly grew up in Los Angeles, which led analysts to wonder whether he wanted to play for his home team someday.

"Nah, I like where I am now," Westbrook was quoted as saying. "Oklahoma City is a great place for me."

And Westbrook clarified he was just watching the Los Angeles Lakers as a kid growing up.

"Nah, nah, I never thought I'd play in the NBA."

Fan Sided said the NBA trade rumors could be because of how fellow Thunder Kevin Durant is headed to being a free agent, which led people towards Westbrook even if his free agency still has 17 months to go.

"It's led people to wondering if Westbrook will eventually leave as well when he is eligible for free agency," the site.

News OK reported that the focus has been on Westbrook with the way Durant is gaining attention with his free agency in the next few months.

However, the current situation could lead to more NBA trade rumors about where Westbrook is headed, since he isn't a free agent.

According to ESPN, Westbrook has 24.1 points per game, with a career PPG of 21.4 in the NBA.

"The rumor mill isn't nearly as rampant as Durant's, but Westbrook's name has created some recent rumblings," News OK said.