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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreThe Lakers must trade Russell Westbrook to the Rockets before tomorrow’s trade deadline or risk suffering a devastating season where fans are booing, players are quitting, and the storied franchise is inundated with dysfunction.
Last night’s embarrassing and humiliating loss to the champion Milwaukee Bucks was hopefully the last straw as the once proud Los Angeles Lakers were crushed by Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kris Middleton, and a superior roster. LeBron James admitted in the post-game press conference the Lakers were not at the same level as the Bucks and sources confirmed the Lakers as a team no longer think they can win with Russell Westbrook as their third star.
Fortunately, it’s become obvious Russell Westbrook is a bad fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers needed a third star whom they could rely upon to complement their two superstars with shooting and defense. The Lakers third star has turned out to be 24-year old Malik Monk, whom the Lakers signed to a 1-year veteran’s minimum contract but who has not become the third star they had hoped Russell Westbrook would become.
The big question, of course, is whether the Lakers will address the Russell Westbrook situation at the trade deadline or wait until summer to resolve it. Before last night’s game, the thought was the Lakers were likely to wait. Watching Los Angeles rally without Russ in the fourth quarter to turn a 30-point rout into a 10-point game, however, may have added pressure for Rob Pelinka to pull the plug on the Westbrook experiment now rather than wait.
So let’s look at some of the reasons why it makes sense for the Lakers to trade Russ now rather than waiting for this summer when his $47 million player option for next season will become a more attractive expiring contract.
1. Trading Russ now is only way Lakers win championship this season
The undeniable truth of this version of the Los Angeles Lakers has always been that they are legitimate championship contenders as long as they have a healthy and rested LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing at their peaks.
Unfortunately, every truth has its limit and the Lakers have now come to the conclusion that they cannot win a championship with Russell Westbrook as the third star. The question is when should the Lakers cut the cord with Russ? There’s a contingent in the Lakers’ front office that is willing to write off the rest of this season in the belief that they will be in a better position to resolve the Westbrook conundrum more favorably this summer than at the deadline.
Standing pat for the rest of this season should be a non-starter for anybody in the Lakers’ front office, not with 37-year old LeBron James championship window getting smaller each year and he and Anthony Davis playing great. Knowing they can’t win with Russ, the Lakers must then make the immediate moves to trade Russ to the Rockets, even if it costs them their 2027 first round
The only way the Lakers have a chance to win their 18th NBA championship this season is by ending the Russell Westbrook experiment right now and giving LeBron and AD a longshot opportunity to win another championship.
2. Not trading Russ now could ultimately lead to Lakers losing Monk
As we approach tomorrow’s trade deadline, the Lakers are in a tough situation with too many roster holes to fill and too few trading chips to fix everything. Trading Russ right now would put the Lakers in better position this summer.
The one blazing bright light in the darkness right now is the rise of Malik Monk, who’s been everything the Lakers had hoped for when trading for Russell Westbrook but from a 24-year old on a veteran’s minimum contract. Monk is immensely grateful for the Lakers signing him last summer when other teams had little interest and has not only fought his way into the starting lineup but also established himself as the team’s 3rd best player.
While Monk has become the third star the Lakers wanted, they don’t have his Bird or Early Bird rights and will be limited to offering him the $6.2 million taxpayer mid level exception this summer, which may be less than his value. There will likely be teams offering Monk the full non-taxpayer $10.1 million mid level exception. The Lakers will probably be able to keep Monk if they have a successful run the rest of the season and Monk may be willing to stay.
The worst outcome for the Lakers would be Westbrook staying and the Lakers continuing to be a losing team. The Lakers need to continue winning to ensure Malik Monk will wants to re-sign this summer rather than testing free agency.
3. Not trading Russ now could ultimately lead to LeBron leaving Lakers
The last thing the Lakers want is for LeBron James to ever consider leaving. Watching James’ body language last night, especially when Russ came over to console him and Anthony on the bench late in the game, was concerning.
If the Lakers stand pat at the trade deadline, they’ll have essentially wasted two of LeBron’s remaining few seasons without winning a championship. That could possibly mean that next season might be LeBron’s last as an L.A. Laker. Listening to LeBron say there was no way for the Lakers to get to the level of the current champion Milwaukee Bucks is not the kind of statements that give ownership any confidence LeBron is going to re-sign with the Los Angeles.
The Laker didn’t sign LeBron James nor did James sign with the Lakers just to win one championship. Nor is LeBron blameless as it was dinner at his house with Russ and Anthony that set the stage for the Lakers trading for Westbrook. LeBron and the Lakers expect James to finish his career in purple and gold, even if that means L.A. will ultimately have to draft Bronny James in the 2024 NBA draft. Keeping Russ could allow his dysfunction to derail the season.
The problem with keeping Russell Westbrook the rest of this season is the team is likely to continue to struggle to win, there’s going to be problems between Vogel and Westbrook, angry fans are going to boo and blame Russ. The truth is trading for Russ was a major mistake and the Lakers need to rectify the situation as soon as possible. They cannot afford for Westbrook, if kept for the rest of the season, to become a cancer that infects LeBron James.
The Lakers are at what could be a major franchise inflection point that could derail their relationship with LeBron and Klutch Sports at a point. Keeping Russell Westbrook for the rest of this season could be risking LeBron James.
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3 Comments-
LakerTom2 years, 9 months ago
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I feel like that should, and probably will barring an incredible gelling process, happen over the summer. Mid-season deals are harder to pull off the bigger the deal. Since we’re essentially limited to trading with Houston right now and that’s a rip off of a trade it shouldn’t happen now. You never want to sell low and the optics of Houston buying out Russ and for him to, if the rumors are true, turns around and joins Washington Rob will look like a real joke of a GM. Of course, if you ask me, he hit that benchmark this summer when Caruso walked for nothing. Not even a trade exception which could have come in handy right about now.
Everyone has made their beds. Jeannie, Rob, Frank, LeBron and so on. Best that they lay in them now and maybe learn something from this fiasco of a debacle. But a bad trade, which is definitely the deal on the table for John Wall, is just doubling down on dumb. No thanks.
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I completely agree with you, Jamie. At this point, whoever the cap fits let them wear it and call the season a colossal failure.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreFour days from the trade deadline, the Los Angeles Lakers are facing a tough challenge that may require them to make major changes in their franchise strategy to salvage their championship hopes and optimize LeBron’s legacy.
With head coach Frank Vogel benching superstar guard Russell Westbrook as the Lakers headed into overtime last night against the New York, Los Angeles may have reached the end of the rope with Russ as their third star. Watching the Lakers play in overtime without the chaos and uncertainty that comes with Russ on the court, it was obvious we were watching why moving on from Russell could qualify as the equivalent of addition by subtraction.
The Lakers 2021–22 season and the legacy of LeBron James are on the line. Nor can the Lakers wait for summer to fix things. Here are three big strategic changes to salvage the Lakers’ season and LeBron James’ legacy:
1. Pull the Plug on the Russell Westbrook Experiment
The first big strategic change the Lakers must make is pulling the plug on the Russell Westbrook experiment. Blame it on a lack of time together due to injuries but it’s clear the Lakers need to trade Russell Westbrook right now.
Fortunately for Los Angeles, there’s a willing trade partner and a deal whose parameters make common sense for the Lakers to pursue. Houston has told the Lakers they would swap John Wall for Westbrook and a first round pick. Wall may not have the motor and athleticism of Westbrook but he is also not the uncontrollable or unpredictable wild card Russ has become. The Lakers need a toned down version of Russ, which is exactly what John could be.
Since John Wall plays the point, he could slide right into Russell Westbrook’s starting role but with fewer turnovers and blown layups and defensive rotations. Here’s the Westbrook for Wall trade with the Houston Rockets:
The price for swapping Russell Westbrook for John Wall is the Lakers’ 2027 first round pick. While some might argue the Lakers would be wiser to wait for summer to move Russ, addition by subtraction says to move him now.
Hopefully, since Wall is a Klutch Sports client, the Lakers can make a deal with him where he turns down his $47 million player option next season for more money over more years and a chance to finish career as a Laker. This is where Klutch becomes important because the Lakers need Wall to decline his player option and instead take more money (maybe $75 million over 3 years) so they can get under the hard cap to re-sign Malik Monk.
The perfect situation is where Wall declines his option and the Lakers give him a new 3-year deal. Otherwise, Lakers will trade his expiring contract this summer as part of restructuring their cap space to retain Malik Monk.
2. Accept Luxury Taxes as the New Price for Winning
With a reasonably healthy and rested LeBron James and Anthony Davis playing as well as they did to win the championship in the bubble, the Los Angeles Lakers are still the team nobody wants to meet in the playoffs.
But the recent moves by the Los Angeles Clippers should be the final straw to alert Jeanie Buss and her family that the rules for what you have to do to win NBA championships has changed with mega luxury taxes the new entry fee. The Clippers, Warriors, and Nets have all accepted over $100 million in luxury taxes as the cost of competing for a championship in today’s NBA. If the Lakers want to win #18, they have to be willing to pay more luxury taxes.
That will not change going forward and if the price to win now includes paying mega luxury taxes, then the Buss family has a major decision to make as the Lakers’ owner. To win, the Lakers must pay more luxury taxes. The Lakers already lost a valuable player and trading chip in Alex Caruso so the Lakers could avoid incurring more luxury taxes. Time for the Buss family accept the new rules and be willing to pay mega luxury tax bills to win it all.
The Lakers’ $5 billion net worth per Forbes was built by the franchise’s total focus on winning championships. Yes, they are in Los Angeles but the value of their brand is a direct result of their winning championships.
3. Trade for Christian Wood to Become Third Star
There’s no question the Lakers’ best lineups are their small ball lineups. There’s also no question the Lakers’ biggest weakness is another front court player who can get them points, rebounds, and defense in the paint.
As part of their negotiation with the Houston Rockets to trade Russell Westbrook for John Wall, the Los Angeles Lakers need to expand that deal to include 26-year old 6′ 9,” 214 lb power forward/center Christian Wood. Christian would allow the Lakers to replace Howard and Jordan with a younger, more dynamic front court player who can block shots, stretch the floor, and play both the power forward and center positions.
Wood is a talented young player who’s had some issues as a teammate that have probably lowered his trade value but he’s produced great numbers with the Pistons last season and the Rockets this season and still has upside. He averaged 17.6 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 31.0 minutes per game while shooting 48.5% from the field and 37.1% on 4.9 attempted threes per game. His one weakness is he’s only a 61.5% free throw shooter.
Trading for Wood would ultimately require the Lakers to join the Clippers, Warriors, and Nets as mega luxury tax payers as well as costing Horton-Tucker, Nunn, and a pair of second round draft picks to sweeten the deal:
Wood has a year and a half left on his contract and will then be eligible for a huge extension. Keeping Wood long-term would clearly require the Lakers to agree to pay more luxury taxes. That’s just how the game today is played. Wood would also give the Lakers the size, shooting, and defense they need to make their starting lineup elite. A starting lineup of John Wall, Malik Monk, LeBron James, Christian Wood, and Anthony Davis would rule.
What Wood gives the Lakers is a player the same age as AD and Monk and could be the basis of a future Lakers big three once LeBron James retires. Wood is an aggressive offensive players with improving defensive instincts.
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PG: WALL, Reaves
SG: MONK, Bradley, Ellington, Bazemore
SF: JAMES, Johnson
PF: WOOD, Anthony, Ariza
CE: DAVIS, Howard, JordanLakers would have the best starting lineup in the league.
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Russ has basically proven what we’ve always thought about him. He needs to be the highest usage player on the squad to put up his gaudy numbers, regardless of whether they lead to wins. Being the 4 option on a team will just lead to more nights like that last one. I’ve been preaching the addition by subtraction thing with him since it became apparent he was a bad fit about 10-15 games in.
So could Wall be any better? Now it probably can’t hurt to find out. Can they squeeze some useful pieces outta the Rockets if they take him? Doubtful, but we’ll see. Will the Klutch connection get wall to opt out and maybe take a more team friendly deal next year? Kinda depends on what Rich and his real boss, Lebron, want him to do and how he looks as a player. Hopefully come Thursday, the worst FO move since Mozzy/Deng can be behind them.
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Aloha Tom, Wall is the big unknown, but im sure Rich would not screw Lebron over, so i asume he would be healthy and ready to play. giving up that 1st might tie our hands for future moves though. i would definitely make sure that Wall would be willing to negotiate a new contract for more years and less per season, or we still wouldnt have anymore flexibility with Wall then we have with Russ. and you are right, Jeanie needs to loosen the purse strings. if we need to cut a guy to bring in a better one, she needs to do that. although the Lakers have always been a little tight with their money. i remember back during some of the championship years, we would sell first round picks to avoid adding salary. i think jesse Buss has put an end to that. As for trading for Wood, i don’t think we could get him without a first round pick. And even if we could, hes not a player we need. Lebron is the best PF in basketball. He is great defensively at the 4 and 5. Frank rarely puts him on wings. Lebron isnt that effective of a defender at the 3 any more except in small burst. and i dont think we want Lebron spending energy chasing wings around. And when Lebron plays the 5, Melo has been a good PF for us. plus Wood maybe a shot blocker but is he a good defender? He has a 115 defensive rating. now the Rockets are a bad defensive with a 115 rating. But you would at least want him to be better then the over all team rating, He actually has the 2nd worse rating of the starters. Even a small move like adding Williams would have more impact, because that is our biggest need. we are already set at the 4 and 5.
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Aloha, Michael. Thanks for reading and commenting. I agree with you that Klutch would not let LeBron and AD trade for Wall or Simmons unless they were in good shape.
I also think there are valid reasons for Wall to agree to get more money and years in return for declining player option. He wants to play and if he doesn’t agree, the Lakers will move him as an expiring contract this summer. Anyway, we’ve reached the point where Russ for Wall is addition by subtraction.
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Aloha, Michael, and thanks for reading and commenting.
Don’t know whether the Lakers will actually trade Russ or not but it sure seems like watching the team in OT without Russ was like a breath of fresh air that everybody needed, including Russ. It’s now addition by subtraction.
I also agree with you that Rich would not allow the Lakers to trade for John Wall or Ben Simmons unless they were healthy and ready to go. And I think there could be motivation from Klutch for Wall to decline his option and be rewarded with a 3-year deal for $75 million. John wants badly to play this season and joining the Lakers would be a huge opportunity for him.
I had forgotten about us selling first round picks. Always hated the cheapness in paying coaches, hiring consultants, and improving facilities. Dr. Buss never paid much in luxury taxes but Jeanie has to realize the game has changed. Mega luxury taxes are required to compete to win it all in today’s NBA.
There are players I would rather have than Wood but I think he may be attainable if we make the Russ for Wall swap. He’s not a sure star but he fits how I think we need to build out this roster.
Wood can play stretch four or five, can protect the rim, and is a ferocious dunker off pick-and-rolls and lobs. He’s also only 26 and has a year and a half left but will up for a near max deal next summer, which is where taxes will come in.
Adding his 3-point shooting, rebounding, and shot blocking to the starting lineup will transform the Lakers starting lineup into a juggernaut. I love the idea of Wall, Monk, James, Wood, and Davis with a bench with Melo, Reaves, Johnson, Be great to flip Jordan, Howard, Bazemore, and Bradley. That’s where I see players like Williams or Muscala.
Wood also has great potential to be a mini version of Anthony Davis. He’s young and hasn’t played for a winning team so it will take time for him to learn how to play Lakers defense. He’s not as sure a thing as Turner or Grant would be but we have a better chance to get him than the others, especially if we trade for Wall.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreForget the stumbles and disappointments of first half of the season because the Lakers will finally get an opportunity to see if the superstar big three they envisioned when trading for Russell Westbrook can actually work.
Anthony Davis is expected to be back in the starting lineup as the Lakers get ready to play three critical road games against the best of the East. They play the Heat tomorrow, the Nets on Tuesday, and the 76ers on Wednesday. Showing they can compete with the top teams in the East will not only prove the Lakers are a legitimate contender but could also determine whether or not Frank Vogel remains as head coach of the Los Angles Lakers.
Because of untimely injuries and Covid protocols, the Lakers’ superstar big three has only played 15 games out of the team’s 46 total games and 291 minutes of the team’s 2,248 total minutes. That’s just under 13% of the time. With 36 games remaining in the 2021–22 regular season and 10 games until the February 10th trade deadline, the Lakers will get a chance to see how their superstar big three fares and whether they need to make changes.
As a team, the Lakers have been unable to play good, consistent basketball. Every time they appear to turn the corner, they instead find a way to fail. No more excuses. Here’s what Lakers need to do to take advantage of AD.
1. Fix the Starting Lineup
Vogel’s lineups have been a major source of concern. Frank needs to understand his job is still at risk and, now that he has AD back, he needs to make smart decisions about the Lakers’ starting lineup and rotations.
LeBron, AD, and Russ will all start and usually close games as expected. Russ will start at the one, LeBron at the four, and Anthony at the five. That leaves starting roles for a shooting guard and small forward to go with the big 3. While there’s some question about who was making lineup decisions for the Lakers, it does appear right now that head coach Frank Vogel has been given that power for the time being, as was shown by his benching of Westbrook.
Last night, Vogel started Westbrook, Bradley, James, Ariza, and Howard but swapped Howard for Johnson the second half. With AD back, it’s obvious Johnson should be the Lakers small forward to go with James and Davis. Stanley Johnson starting the second half allowed the Lakers to switch everything on defense, which should be a strategic goal rest of this season and the playoffs as it makes it easier to stay in front of your man.
Starting today, Frank needs to to replace 6′ 3″ Avery Bradley in the starting lineup with 6′ 5″ Austin Reaves, who is the the Lakers’ best perimeter defender and the perfect player to complement their superstar big three.
2. Make Russ the Third Option
One of the problems the Lakers have endured in this third straight Covid and injury plagued season is LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook were only on the court together for 15 games and 291 minutes.
With James missing 12 games and Davis 19 games, Westbrook was left to function as the team’s second option for much of this season rather than third option that was envisioned, which led to a chaotic first half of season. Hopefully, the moves by Vogel to make Westbrook more accountable for his turnovers, poor shot selection, and half-hearted defense and the return of Anthony Davis will be enough for Russ to embrace being the third option.
This season marks the third straight year Russell Westbrook will have had to adjust to a new team and new teammates. In his first year with the Rockets and then with the Wizards, Russ played better the second half of the season. While the Lakers discussed trading Westbrook, it appears now the goal is to give the Lakers’ superstar big three an opportunity to show what they can accomplish now that LeBron, AD, and Russ are finally healthy.
The Lakers have seen Russ make a legitimate effort to adjust his game to fit what the team needs from him as their third superstar. With LeBron and AD healthy, Russ now needs to embrace being the Lakers’ third superstar.
3. Narrow the Team’s Rotations
After playing so many crazy lineups and rotations due to injuries and Covid protocols, the Lakers finally have enough key players available that they can start playing a legitimate starting lineup backed up by quality rotations.
With Russ starting at the one, Reaves the two, Johnson the three, LeBron the four, and AD the five, Frank Vogel needs to make tough decisions to narrow the team’s rotation to 9 or 10 players instead of the usual 11 or 12 players. Narrowing the bench rotation to just 4 players — Carmelo Anthony, Malik Monk, Kendrick Nunn, and Dwight Howard — will eliminate the terrible indefensible lineups Frank Vogel was forced to play earlier in the season.
Narrowing the rotation essentially means players like Avery Bradley, Wayne Ellington, Trevor Ariza, DeAndre Jordan, and Talen Horton-Tucker will be relegated to third backup roles in case of key players injuries or foul trouble. The Lakers have 36 games left in the season and their top priority should be establishing consistent starting lineups and rotations so everybody knows their role and what to expect as the team heads into the playoffs.
The major challenge Frank Vogel has overcome is his hesitancy to remove underperforming players from the starting lineup or rotations. Vogel needs to remove Avery Bradley from the Lakers’ starting lineup and rotations.
4. Take Advantage of a Rested AD
One of the keys to the Lakers winning their 17th NBA championship in the bubble was having a healthy and rested LeBron James and Anthony Davis as a result of the four and a half month Covid driven suspension of the season.
As the Lakers head into the last 36 games on this regular season schedule, they should benefit from Anthony Davis having had over a month off to strengthen his injured knee and spend time fixing his shooting mechanics. Anthony Davis needs to be the bubble AD if the Lakers are to come back from a disappointing first half of the season and win their 18th NBA championship. Anything less will not be enough for the Lakers to prevail.
Lakers need Davis to get back his stroke from the bubble playoffs when he averaged 27.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks, shooting 57.1% from the field, 38.3% from deep, and 83.2% from the line. That would be an improvement over his regular season stats, where he’s averaged 23.3 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.2 steals, and 2.0 blocks, shooting 52.1% from field, 17.9% from deep, and 72.7% from the line.
Now that AD is healthy and rested, the Lakers need him to be the lethal midrange and 3-point shooter he was during the bubble championship. A healthy and rested Anthony Davis will be the key to the winning it all.
5. Trade THT at the Deadline
21-year old Talen Horton-Tucker is the Lakers most valuable trading chip. Like they did with Klutch Sports’ client KCP, the Lakers rewarded THT with a big raise right before they’re likely to trade him to another team.
Talen’s problem has always been his fit alongside LeBron, AD, and Russ. Like the Lakers three superstars, THT is a player who’s strength is his ability to attack the paint and finish at the rim and his weakness is 3-point shooting. The Lakers need to move THT and his 3-year $30 million contract for a player who is a better fit for the Lakers, ideally a bigger, longer 3&D wing with 6′ 8″ to 6′ 10″ size who can defend other teams bigger wing scorers.
The Lakers have already offered THT, Nunn, and their 2027 first round draft pick for Jerami Grant but the Pistons don’t appear ready to accept that offer. Besides Grant, the Lakers have been linked to numerous other NBA starters. Pacers’ Myles Turner, Rockets Christian Wood and Eric Gordon, Sixers’ Ben Simmons, Kings’ Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield, Raptors’ Chris Boucher and Goran Dragic have all been rumored to be Laker trade targets.
In the end, the Lakers best fit could be an excellent 3&D guard like Eric Gordon or shot-blocking stretch five center like Myles Turner. Gordon or Turner would both help elevate the Lakers team defense back to the top.
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19 Comments-
This is the game that marks the Lakers turning their season around. All of the other false dawns and fake turnarounds be damned. We’re finally healthy except for Nunn.
Here are the 5 things the Lakers need to do to revive their championship hopes:
1. Fix the Starting Lineup
2. Make Russ the Third Option
3. Narrow the Team’s Rotations
4. Take Advantage of a Rested AD
5. Trade THT at the Deadline -
While the starting lineup of Reaves and Stanley Johnson with AD, LeBron, and Russ looks great, my question is do we have enough three-point shooters in that lineup? Besides, isn’t it a little bit too early to narrow the rotation when we are just now beginning to have most of our players back? Something tells me a little patience will go a long way in figuring out the best rotation.
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You’re right Buba. While both both Stanley and Austin have each had a couple of great shooting games, they are both under the league average as 3 point shooters. They have to improve as shooters because we need that spacing. I like Stanley over Trevor at this point but I would like to see Malik start. He can shoot the 3 and he has shown a real chemistry with LeBron in setting up LeBron. Plus Malik has been much better as a starter then he has been as a starter.
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There you have it, Michael. Starting Monk will do it for me. Great points and observations.
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The problem is you have three players starting with Russ and LeBron who should not be starting and aren’t the best we have. No way Bradley, Johnson, or Howard should be starting for the Lakers other than injuries, although Bradley actually had a good game despite never staying in front of the man he was defending. He still should be replaced by either Reaves or Monk.
Who should start with LeBron and Russ are:
1. Anthony Davis
2. Forward or center we get from trading THT,
3. Best two-way shooting guard, Monk or ReavesI’m starting to feel Frank has adopted Avery Bradley and will hang on to keeping him in the starting lineup. We need a better defender at the two guard, someone who is physical like Eric Gordon or bigger like Reaves. Yeah, I love Monk and he’s better defensively but it comes down to a choice of putting out a starting lineup that can switch everything or a starting lineup where Monk is going to be relentlessly hunted.
Like everything, Frank is a defensive coach and doesn’t know how to use players like Monk. I truly don’t understand his starting Bradley even though he played well for the most part.
It just seems were always behind and fighting to catch up because of the lineups Frank uses. Bradley is the new DJ. He’s the guy other teams are hunting, Frank. Ever wonder why, Frank?
We need five switchable defenders on the court so we can switch everything. Anybody who’s played the game understands the difference. You need five, not four, not three, guys to make it work.
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THT will finish the season as a Laker. Same as Russ. We need to evaluate who we can waive and start scouring the corner’s of the Earth for size and defense. Waiver wire pickups and that’s the breadth of the moves I see Rob making (or able to make based on what we have to trade).
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LMAO, THT is gone for sure. Nunn likely too.
One thing to remember is the Lakers generally react with a major move any time their first plan seems to have failed. Now through the years the time in between has gotten longer but now with LeBron on the team, the Lakers will be under great pressure to make major changes, which is trading THT and Nunn and the pick, which they’ve already offered for Grant and will ultimately give to whomever will give them the best in return. It will come down to their ability to choose the right return for our three trading chips. Hit that and we can win. Miss and we will lose. Stand pat and we’re screwed.
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Like I’ve been saying we’ll see who’s “LMAO”ing in a month. I think the FO liked Grant and Detroit (wisely) said no thank you to the offer.
I agree that we should trade THT and certainly Nunn who has been a total non-factor, just don’t see it happening at this point based on Nunn not playing and THT not p[laying well.
Here’s a bigger issue/better question: do you throw in Reaves or Monk to make a deal to move THT and/or Nunn? I would not, they’re too of our brightest spots thus far.
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You’re right about the bigger question, Jamie. I hate to give up Reaves or Monk although I seriously doubt either one of them has a high enough ceiling to be a championship NBA starter, which should be the measure by which you make the decision since LeBron’s window is closing.
We need another non-superstar starter who’s not on the team right now and Grant would be perfect fit both talent, age, and contract. I might instead give the Pelicans a second rounder to free up a pick so we could offer Detroit a second first rounder. I think that might cinch the deal.
But if push came to shove, I would throw in Monk but ask for the first round pick back. For a team like Detroit, Monk would be a perfect young player to bring in fans while rebuilding. More so than Reaves. And the Lakers were likely going to lose him to free agency anways.
From what I’m reading, though, it doesn’t seem like Detroit is being overwhelmed by trade offers for Grant. Nor have they come out and said there is no way for the Lakers’ offer. I expect the Lakers to be making other offers of the exact same three trading chips for other players like Harrison Barnes or Myles Turner. Moves made to push the Pistons to accept their offer or make a valid counter offer.
I’m also interested in players who would only require us to trade THT, giving us a chance to keep Nunn, who could be perfect as our backup behind Russell Westbrook. Nunn fits what we’re doing with small ball. THT just doesn’t. And Nunn might be content to just accept the second year of his contract. Anyway, players for whom we might trade THT straight up include Houston’s Christian Wood or Eric Gordon (whom would finally move Bradley to the bench) or Toronto’s Chris Boucher.
There will be trades the Lakers can make and it makes no sense to keep THT or Nunn and the pick is they can get the right starter.
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When AD returns this is how I feel like the rotation will be:
Team A:
PG – Russell Westbrook
SG – Avery Bradley
SF – …Trevor Ariza…
PF – LeBron James
C – Anthony DavisTeam B:
PG – Malik Monk
SG – Austin Reaves
SF – Talen Horton-Tucker
PF – Carmelo Anthony
C – Dwight Howard (only when James is sitting though and if AD is in foul trouble, things of that nature.Nobody else should see minutes. We don’t get Wayne shots so it makes little sense to play Wayne at this point, waive him or DeAndre Jordan (my preference is DAJ but I honestly don’t see the team doing that) and open a spot for a waiver.
Sign Stanley for at least the rest of the season. I could see a reason to waive any one of Kent, DeAndre or Wayne at this point. We got enough old guys, we need size and rebounding, they don’t have those things. DeAndre Jordan is ready for his fork, the dude is done, let him loose. Still, have a hard time seeing that happen…
While I would rather see a little more youth and shooting in Team A I think Frank rolls with what have to be considered the better defenders on the team. Frank also always defers to vets until they show they’ve pretty much fallen off the cliff, like Kent and DeAndre managed to do.
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We will trade for a starter to replace Ariza in your list. Or, worst case, Johnson will replace Ariza.
Horton-Tucker is gone for sure. Nunn might be kept as back up point guard.
My depth chart right now is:
PG: WESTBROOK, Nunn, Horton-Tucker
SG: REAVES, Monk, Bradley, Ellington
SF: JOHNSON, Bazemore
PF: JAMES, Anthony, Ariza
CE: DAVIS, Howard, JordanNote: my depth chart is my choice, not what I think Frank might do.
Based on history, he will stupidly lose his job riding on AB Island.In fact, I might make a THT for Eric Gordon trade just to move AB to the bench.
PG: Westbrook
SG: Gordon
SF; Johnson
PF: James
CE: Davis-
If it’s my choice and not what I think Frank will do, which I see little sense in doing then it looks like this:
PG-Russ
SG-Monk
SF-LBJ
PF-Stanley
C-Davis-
backups
PG-AB
SG-AR
SF-TA
PF-Melo
C-Dwight (but only as situations and matchups dictate)But that’s not gonna happen so it’s just dreaming away the day, IMO.
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I’m not entertaining trade notions at this time simply because I don’t see anything happening.
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What’s funny is there is nothing more important to me than what I think the Lakers should do, which makes me optimistic.
Meanwhile, you prefer to focus on what you expect Frank to do, which leads you to pessimistic expectations.
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Because I deal in reality. Frank is the coach. If I were the coach, or if there were another coach I was inclined to think would do things differently than I would post those ideas and notions. I don’t do dream weaver scenarios. It’s a fun thought exercise, sure, but in the end that’s all it is. If you choose to characterize reality as pessimistic that’s fair, it often is. But I don’t think that creating outlandish, and often impossible to achieve, scenarios makes things better or a person more optimistic. For instance I still think the Lakers have the pieces in-house to compete for a banner. We need guys like THT to find something consistent, Monk to be featured more (that’s on both the player needing to ask for the ball on the court and Frank to put him in the best position to succeed) and for health to swing our way again.
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Of course, when I focus on what Frank is going to do, I feel like slitting my wrists. SMH.
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I mean…at some point one needs to place one’s faith in the professionals. SO, while I think Frank is a better playoff than regular season coach I think he can (and even has) made some adjustments that make sense. In reality, if he had never said “I want to see a starting five etched in stone!!!” or whatever he’d be in less of a PR mess. Although he would still be in line up Hell. At any rate, I think we’ll see some more adjustments based on fit with AD. Might take until right up to the trade deadline but I think we’ll see ’em.
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Well, I obviously like your rotations better than what you expect from Frank. I wonder how much winning the shampionship has doomed Frank to be fired for stubbornly sticking to what he thinks are why he won. No matter what the cost or consequence.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreWhile the Lakers are probably not ready to admit trading for Russ was a mistake and the odds they pull off a trade for him before the deadline slim or none, the NBA has proven over and over that no contract is untradeable.
Whether teams are looking to add star power, attract more fans, swap longer contracts for shorter ones, or create cap space via expiring contracts, the Lakers should have no shortage of potential trading partners for Russ. They may have to package Russell with promising young talent like Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn, Malik Monk, or Austin Reaves and their 2027 first round pick but they should have the chips for a blockbuster trade.
That’s the good news for the Lakers. The question is whether they should throw the second half of what’s already been a chaotic season into more turmoil by pulling the plug on the Westbrook experiment midseason. There’s an argument the Lakers haven’t seen enough of the James, Davis, and Westbrook superstar big three to make a decision since they have only played around 10% of the minutes the team’s played so far this season.
But here’s also an argument trading for Russ has put the Lakers in an unwinnable situation due to the chaotic style, luxury taxes, and poor spacing that always comes with him makes the roster top heavy and hard to coach. Bottom line, the Lakers are in win-now mode, which means they will look at every possible option to improve the team, even if it means trading Russell Westbrook less than six months after betting the franchise on him.
Here are ten trades of Westbrook and Horton-Tucker to free the Lakers from the never-ending, constantly grinding Russell Westbrook hamster wheel and the accompanying turnovers, blown layups, and constant chaos.
1. Trade for Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris
Morey wants star player and ability to dump Harris 3-year contract for Ben. Russ, THT, Nunn, and the Lakers 2027 first round pick could be the best offer the Sixers will get. Adding Monk or Reaves could make Morey blink.
2. Trade for Myles Turner, T.J. Warren, Caris LeVert, Jeremy Lamb
The Pacers do not want a complete rebuild and Russ could be exactly what they want to remain competitive while getting younger and raising upside. Could also be an excellent foundation for an expanded multi-team trade.
3. Trade for Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, Damian Jones
Kings are another team that could thrive with Westbrook. They move three players they no longer want for Russ and a promising young star in THT to grow with Haliburton and Mitchell. Fox could replace Barnes or Hield.
4. Trade for Goran Dragic, OG Anunoby, Chris Boucher, Gary Trent, Jr.
Raptors are another team trying to rebuild while still remaining competitive. Russ could help them win while clearing max cap space after next season. New beginnings for several players who disappointed on current teams.
5. Trade for Danilo Gallinari, Delon Wright, John Collins
Hawks ready to move on from Gallo, Collins, and Wright so Russ can help them compete in the short term and give them cap space for free agents in the long term. Meanwhile, Russ backs up Ja Morant at point guard.
6. Trade for Derrick Favors, Mike Muscala, Kenrich Williams.
The Thunder are the one team who might take on Russell Westbrook as a salary dump. THT is the sweetener to get the Thunder to bite. Muscala and Williams would both be bargain additions who fit perfectly on the Lakers.
7. Trade for Eric Gordon, D.J. Augustin, Christian Wood, Daniel Theis
The Rockets are another team for whom THT would be the sweetener to take back Russell Westbrook’s contract’s remaining one and a half years. They clear out Gordon’s contract and get rid of Wood, who wants out.
8. Trade for Terrence Ross, Gary Harris, Mo Bamba, Cole Anthony
This is a Westbrook trade proposed by Gerald Glassford of Lakers Fast Break Podcasts. Lakers basically get rid of everybody they don’t want in return for some pretty good assets from the Magic. No sweeteners for Magic.
9. Trade with Sixers for Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier
The Hornets would love to get out of Hayward’s contract to create cap space and Russ will let them continue to win but open up cap space earlier. Nunn replaces Rozier and THT is the sweetener to get them to take on Russ.
10. Trade for Evan Fournier, Nerlens Noel, Julius Randle
The Knicks are in free fall and who better to save them than Russell Westbrook. They dump Randle’s and Fournier’s contracts, get promising young star in THT. Lakers can throw in their 2027 first rounder if needed.
34 Comments-
Russell Westbrook has broken the Lakers. He’s become such an issue with the front office, coaching staff, and teammates that it’s time to make the move now because waiting for summer would be disastrous as we would be sitting with the same tepid trading chips we are faced with right now.
The thing is there is no untradeable contract n the NBA anymore. All of these ten trades are just examples of starting points for multiple team trades. Lakers needs to do what the Wizards did with the Lakers trade last season and turn it into a four or five team trade that moves Russ by sweetening the pot with THT and Nun. For the ‘right deal,’I would even consider including Monk or Reaves but it would have to be a trade for a legitimate third superstar like Jaylen Brown.
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10. Trade for Evan Fournier, Nerlens Noel, Julius Randle
The Knicks are in free fall and who better to save them than Westbrook. They dump Randle’s and Fournier’s contracts, get young star in THT. Lakers can throw in their 2027 first rounder if needed.https://t.co/SXERqgYydF
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 20, 2022
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You do get that even though it works in the trade machine, there’s nothing forcing the other GM to agree, right? Sorry, but for better or worse, this albatross is staying.
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There are no tradeable contracts and multiple team trades make it easy for teams to match salaries. These are ten templates for trades.
You’re saying the same thing you said when we were trying to trade for AD or sign LeBron. Just look at NBA trade history. Anything is possible.
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You might also look at the wins predicted for these trades. Most favor the other team or are even. I’ve never heard you in favor of a trade.
You react to Lakers trades the way fans of the opposing teams do. Why can’t you see that most trades are unbalanced and favor one team.
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Russ to New York is a possibility.
Depends on what they would give us.
All of these are seed trades for multiple teams. -
It’s a different era from the Pau heist. No GM wants to even remotely look like they lost a trade, and any trade with the Lakers they need to win in a big way to even consider it. So with that in mind, is there even one deal amongst these where a GM ends up with a useless Westbrook at the nadir, a THT and injured Nunn, and a draft pick or two 5+ years away? If I’m an opposing GM, there’s simply not enough meat on the bone to even get me into a discussion, much less give it any serious consideration.
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9. Trade with Sixers for Gordon Hayward, Terry Rozier
Hornets would love to move Hayward’s contract to create cap space & Russ will let them continue to win but open up cap space earlier. Nunn replaces Rozier & THT is sweetener to get them to take Russ.https://t.co/SXERqgYydF
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 20, 2022
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8. Trade for Terrence Ross, Gary Harris, Mo Bamba, Cole Anthony
This is a Westbrook trade proposed by Gerald of LakersFastBreak Podcasts. Lakers get rid of everybody they don’t want in return for some pretty good assets from the Magic. No sweeteners.https://t.co/SXERqgYydF
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 20, 2022
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Could be an underrated trade. Get off Russ for three tradeable players with lower more tradable salaries. Could help finish season but would really help this summer.
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7. Trade for Eric Gordon, D.J. Augustin, Christian Wood, Daniel Theis
The Rockets are a team for whom THT would be sweetener to take back Westbrook’s contract’s one and a half years. They clear out Gordon’s contract and get rid of Wood, who wants out.https://t.co/SXERqgYydF
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 20, 2022
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This trade could be tied into the Lakers and Cavs trade as the Lakers want Gordon and the Cavs would prefer Wall over Westbrook. Something to watch.
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6. Trade for Derrick Favors, Mike Muscala, Kenrich Williams.
The Thunder are one team who might take on Westbrook as a salary dump. THT is the sweetener to get Thunder to bite. Muscala and Williams would be bargain additions who fit on the Lakers.https://t.co/SXERqgYydF
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 20, 2022
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5. Trade for Danilo Gallinari, Delon Wright, John Collins
Hawks ready to move from Gallo, Collins, & Wright so Russ can help them compete in the short term and give them cap space in the long term. Meanwhile, Russ backs up Ja Morant at point guard.https://t.co/SXERqgYydF
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 20, 2022
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4. Trade for Goran Dragic, OG Anunoby, Chris Boucher, Gary Trent, Jr.
Raptors are a team trying to rebuild while remaining competitive. Russ could help them win while clearing max cap space after next season. https://t.co/SXERqgYydF
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 20, 2022
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3. Trade for Harrison Barnes, Buddy Hield, Damian Jones
Kings are a team that could thrive with Russ. They move 3 players they no longer want for Russ & a promising young star in THT to grow with Haliburton and Mitchell. Fox could replace Barnes or Hield.https://t.co/SXERqgYydF
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 20, 2022
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2. Trade for Myles Turner, T.J. Warren, Caris LeVert, Jeremy Lamb
The Pacers don't want a complete rebuild and Russ could be what they need to remain competitive while getting younger and better. Could be a foundation for an expanded multi-team trade.https://t.co/SXERqgYydF
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 20, 2022
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While trading Russ is too long a shot with Indy, I do think Turner’s injury could be the event that lets the Lakers sneak in and trade for Turner with the THT, Nunn, and pick package.
Dallas has backed out and the injury is not career threatening. Sabonis is the one they’re going to keep. Lakers should focus on Turner deal. It’s the most likely to happen imo.
It can also solve the internal issues between Kurt and Rob and Frank as the team could go big or small, which is the versatility you need to win a championship.
It’s also a move for post-LeBron as Myles is only 25, 3 years younger than AD. It’s the deal that can solve the Lakers roster issues and their front office and coaching conflicts. Frank and Kurt will get their two bigs. AD will get to play the four and LeBron the three.
If we can’t get rid of Russ, this is our probably our best option.
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1. Trade for Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris
Morey wants star and dump Harris 3-year contract for Ben. Russ, THT, Nunn, and the Lakers 2027 first round pick could be the best offer the Sixers will get. Adding Monk or Reaves could make Morey blink.https://t.co/SXERqgYydF
— LakerTom (@LakerTom) January 20, 2022
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The problem with your trades Tom is that Russ is no longer a super star. He seems to be a broken player that can’t defend and is a poor fit for most teams. Three of the last four seasons his teams have been. better with him off the court then on. If we he were performing at even a good role player level we wouldn’t even be having this discussion.
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Aloha Michael,
Listen, you could be right that Russ can’t be traded and none of our assets have enough value but there are moves that can be made and the front office will have to make whatever moves they can because we are not going to sniff a championship or even respected finish unless we pull off some EOY type of move.
There’s no question that Russ and THT and Nunn are not the trading chips we hoped or thought they would be but there is still value to them and the front office still has to work hard to pull off a miracle move. I have more faith in that happening because I’ve seen it happen before with Pau and other great trades, often totally unexpected and judged to be steals when they happen.
There’s more chance of that happening than our miraculously suddenly starting to win games with the roster, coach, and front office that are out of sync and inconsistent. Just look back at the halfway points in our histort of championships. Sheep don’t suddenly become tigers, Losers don’t suddenly become winners, AD and Nunn aren’t going to save this team. A major trade, as unlikely as it may be, is our only chance. So I will keep looking for and following any options that arise, regardless of how remote or unlikely. That’s what the front office is going to do.
The biggest concern right now is how the disarray and dysfunction between Jeanie, Kurt, Rob, Frank, LeBron, and Russ may be a death knell not only for this season but for LeBron’s time as a Laker We’re in the midst of what could be a franchisd determining nexus and what we do this midseason will dramatically affect our options this summer. I truly believe it’s go big or go home for the Lakers as a franchise.
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Here is my thoughts Tom, we see writers trade proposals. We see articles on players that we are interested in. What we are not seeing is reports on teams that are interested in our assets. While there is probably interest in THT is the interest enough to give up a star? Until I hear differently I think no. And Nunn’s injury hasn’t helped. At this point who knows if he will even play this year.
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That’s a valid point but every team knows the Lakers are desperate to they’re not going to announce any interest and we’re talking about a package here, not just one player. There are some targets we might be willing to give up Reaves or Monk. Odds are you’re right but I’m still going to push for Lakers to make big trade.
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And yes, I know that, Michael. We all would rather the Lakers win than be right in any personal opinion or prediction on the blog. We just want to win and continue the domination of the rest of the league.
It’s the quality of the conversation and information we share making our4 points. It’s talking Lakers. Sure, better when we’re winning but at least we’re a contender now, maybe behind a half dozen teams but with time to catch up.
You’ve always been one the smartest and most savvy bloggers on the site, which is why I wanted you to be the Blog Editor back when we started the new site.
You weren’t ready then but I’m thrilled whether you agree with me or not.
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LakerTom wrote a new post
Read MoreThe time may have come for the Los Angeles Lakers to rethink their decision to trade for Westbrook. Integrating Russ is not working as planned and the Lakers could be at a key crossroad in their quest to win the championship.
The Lakers may need to change or reduce Russell Westbrook’s role or even consider trading him in a last shot attempt to salvage what may be a second straight lost year in LeBron James’ rapidly fading championship window. Trading for Russell Westbrook in the first place was a bold and risky move designed to reduce the workload and extend the career of LeBron James. Pulling the plug would be tantamount to admitting the move was a mistake.
Per reports, the Lakers have already discussed the possibility of trading Russell Westbrook for Ben Simmons, a move orchestrated by and Rich Paul, who’s the player agent for LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Ben Simmons. Right now, the Sixers have no interest in trading for Westbrook but that could change as we near the trade deadline and Philly GM Daryl Morey has to decide whether to trade Simmons now or wait until next summer.
The one sure thing is the Lakers need to figure out how to make Russell Westbrook work if they have any serious hopes of winning a championship. Here are five questions the Lakers must answer about Russell Westbrook:
- Was the Decision to Trade for Russell Westbrook a Mistake?
The Lakers’ Westbrook problem has been they have not had a chance to see Russ playing alongside fellow superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis or alongside projected starting role players due to injuries and Covid.
The result of James’ and Davis’ injuries has been Russell Westbrook spending only 291 minutes alongside LeBron and AD out of 2,056 minutes available this season, which forced Russ to be the second rather than third option. There’s a difference between how many minutes and touches Russ would get as third option versus being forced to function as the Lakers’ second option. It’s hard to predict what will happen when AD and Nunn are healthy.
That puts the Lakers in the unenviable position of not knowing whether they can make the Westbrook experiment work as the February 10 trade deadline approaches and time to make changes get shorter and shorter. With Anthony Davis out at least for the rest of this month, the Lakers know going small is their only option and they’re going to continue to struggle to hold their own on the glass and in the paint until they make a trade.
The best the Lakers can say right now is they need a midseason trade to get more size to transform their microball lineups to the small-ball-on-steroids lineups like in the bubble for the Russell Westbrook experiment to work.
2. Can the Lakers Change or Reduce Russell Westbrook’s Role?
The word around the league was don’t expect Russell Westbrook to change how he plays but the Lakers have already seen that Russ is willing to change and adapt his style of play to help the Lakers win an NBA championship.
What’s been obvious is Russell Westbrook loves being home in LA where he can spend time with his family. What’s also been obvious is he knows he’s going to have to change how he plays if he wants to be successful on Lakers. The Lakers may not be the last chance saloon for Russell Westbrook the way it was for Dwight Howard but, after being on four different teams the last four years, Russ realizes Los Angeles is where he wants and needs to be.
So what changes does Russ need to do for this experiment to work for the Lakers? First and foremost, Russ does need to improve his ball security, shot selection and defensive attention, and adjust to being just the third option. That means deferring to LeBron James or Anthony Davis or Malik Monk or Austin Reaves or Lakers players who are better 3-point shooters than he is. It means understanding and embracing your role as the third superstar.
Russell Westbrook is clearly ready and willing to adjust to his role as the Lakers’ third superstar. Unfortunately, Anthony Davis won’t be back until February so the Lakers will need Russ to carry more of a load until then.
3. Can the Lakers Get Better By Trading Russell Westbrook?
While the Lakers believe they can make the Westbrook experiment work, there are enough questions to require Rob Pelinka and the Lakers’ front office to do their due diligence on the option of trading away Russ.
Because of the history and close relationship between the Los Angeles Lakers and Klutch Sports, a Russell Westbrook for Ben Simmons trade has to remain a possibility despite Daryl Morey saying he’s not interested in Russ. The 3 years and over $100 million left on Ben Simmons’ contract has not helped his trade value as teams are wary of his mental state. Chances are Russell Westbrook could easily be the Sixers’ best offer for Ben Simmons.
But there are teams who could be interested in Russell Westbrook as a way of selling tickets and creating interest. Teams like the Sacramento Kings, New Orleans Pelicans and New York Knicks immediately come to mind. Now that the Lakers have paid half of Westbrook’s $44 million salary for this year, there may be teams interested in trading players with longer contracts for him in order to get his $47 million expiring contract to create cap space.
While the Lakers aren’t going to be actively looking for Russell Westbrook trades, they’re going to look at every option to improve their roster, even if it means sweetening a Russ trade with THT, Nunn, and even Monk or Reaves.
4. Could the Lakers and Russell Westbrook Modify His Contract?
While the Lakers will have a better chance to trade Russell Westbrook this summer due to his $47 million expiring contract, there’s a path for Russ and the Lakers to modify his contract to give the Lakers more breathing room.
The Lakers need to find a way to re-sign Malik Monk, whom they signed as a free agent to a minimum veteran contract, but who will due for a raise at least to the Non-Taxpayer Midlevel Exception of around $10 million per year. Enter an agreement between Westbrook and the Lakers where he opts out of the last year and $47 million on his contract and signs a new four year deal for $100 million, saving the Lakers $22 million in salary next season.
That would enable the Lakers to re-sign Monk for the $10 million NT MLE, rebuild the roster while staying under the $140 million hard cap that using the NT MLE to sign Monk would require and avoid paying any luxury taxes. Alternatively the Lakers other option is to allow Russ’ $47 million expiring salary to create cap space so they can sign a third superstar. At end of 2023, Anthony Davis’ $40.6 million is projected to be the Lakers’ only salary.
Should the Westbrook experiment work the Lakers will have multiple options. The can negotiate a new contract for more money to replace next season’s $47 option. Or they can re-sign or replace him in free agency.
5. What Are the Lakers’ Best Options for Russell Westbrook?
The Lakers have spent half the season already trying to figure out how to make the Russell Westbrook experiment work. It’s unlikely they’re going to pull the plug and throw their roster into more chaos. They want stability.
Unless the Lakers decide they cannot achieve that stability with Russell Westbrook as point guard, they’re going to continue to try and make Russ work. They’ll do everything they can to upgrade the starting lineup. Ultimately, the Lakers’ season will come down to whether LeBron James and Anthony Davis are healthy and playing at their best come the playoffs. The Lakers just need Russ to be a major facilitator to unleash LeBron and AD.
The Lakers understand they need another elite starter in the form of a 3&D big, either a stretch five like Myles Turner or stretch four like Jerami Grant to make their small ball lineups as effective as in their bubble championship. They firmly believe in the goal of trading for Russell Westbrook to reduce the workload and physical toll and extend the career of LeBron James. The Lakers will make a trade because they can’t waste a year of Lebron.
The Lakers are going to double down on the superstar big three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook. This is a win-now season for a win-now team. Lakers top priority is upgrading role player size and defense.
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5 Comments-
The Russell Westbrook experiment. Unless there’s a sudden change of heart, it’s hard to imagine the Lakers pulling the plug on the Russell Westbrook experiment. It’s taken us half a season to figure a few things out, Now we need to get healthy to see if the formula we have is a winning formula.
I think most of us are optimistic that LeBron and AD can be the difference makers come the playoffs. There’s a perfect storm of good fortune that will be required but the pieces are there to fill the puzzle with wins. Just going to be a tough challenge.
I still disagree with Michael and Jamie in that I do think the Lakers will make key trades to fix the roster imbalance and give us the size and defense we need to win the championship this season. What do you think? Let us know below. Thanks.
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Aloha Tom, we really can’t pull the plug on him. The combination of his massive salary, awkward fit and lack of draft capital to grease the trade wheels means we will have him for a while. The best we can hope for is we get healthy and he can carve out a role. I have also thought about Russ pulling a Cris Paul and opting out for a longer deal. That might be our best option.
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I pretty much agree with you, Michael. But pulling the plug could have several variations. How many minutes does Russ play and with whom? Should he close every game? There’s decisions to be made that should be made with Russ involved. For example, I think he’d be willing to talk about a reduced role compared to LeBron or AD.
So pulling the plug includes not allowing Russ to just be Russ, which frankly is not good for the Lakers or for Russ. I think Russ is at a crossroads. If he doesn’t win here, it’s going to be a downhill trip the rest of his career. Russ knows this. That’s why he’s cut down the turnovers. Unfortunately, he might have to stop shooting too.
Anyway, we’re not likely to trade him but we are likely to change or reduce his role either voluntarily or by decree from LeBron or Frank. We need good Russ but need to limit Bad Russ. That’s really our only way out imo.
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Sure, if you want trade for either every bad deal that’s out there lol. The value of anything purple and gold has hit a season-low after this stretch.
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…Yup…That’s my answer as I was clear that this experiment should haven never commensed in the first place.
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