NBA
NBA: Huge turnaround for Westbrook’s trade
Recruited in 2021, Russell Westbrook did not really meet the expectations placed on him at the Los Angeles Lakers. As a result, the playmaker could well pack his bags only one season after his arrival in California. However, the Lakers will have to make an effort for his trade. And that could totally change the franchise’s position on this issue.
In 2021, the Los Angeles Lakers thought they had achieved a huge coup by securing the services of Russell Westbrook to associate it with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Nevertheless, everything did not really go well in California for the playmaker. Author of a rather disappointing season for a player of his status (18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists on average ), Mr. Triple-Double has regularly been the target of criticism from fans of the franchise. Only a year after his arrival, Russell Westbrook could already pack up. In recent days, the 33-year-old has often been announced as leaving. But ultimately, things could turn out differently in this case.
NBA: Two suitors on Westbrook, the Lakers see the end of the tunnel https://t.co/P9nLi3ZqlP pic.twitter.com/gMpkNwF4LO
— le10sport (@le10sport) July 25, 2022
The Lakers will have to make an effort for the trade of Westbrook
Indeed, the Los Angeles Lakers may be forced to make an effort to separate from Russell Westbrook this summer. According to information from the journalist Michael Scotto of HoopsHypethe team of LeBron James will have to sacrifice two draft rounds to get rid of his playmaker. So far, the management of the franchise would have been quite reluctant to this idea. But the front office of Lakers will most certainly have to resolve to drop these picks if the departure of Russell Westbrook is a priority.
Several franchises on the spot
In case of refusal, the Los Angeles Lakers could see a suitor withdraw from the case. Indeed, the Indiana Pacers would claim these two draft rounds in addition to Russell Westbrook to send Buddy Hield and Myles Turner in return. However, the Indianapolis franchise would not be the only ones interested in the services of BeastBrook. To believe The Athleticthe utah jazz would think of securing the services of the 33-year-old player. With the uncertain future of Donovan Mitchell and the departure of Rudy Gobertthe team of Will Hardy would have a shot. The New York Knicks would also be involved. A trade with Julius Randle could be considered.
The new Lakers coach wants to trust Westbrook
Not up to expectations Lakers last season, Russell Westbrook recently explained that he suffered from a bad relationship with Frank Vogelthe ex-coach of the franchise: “ To be honest, I find it unfortunate because I’ve never had a problem with my coaches before. No coach, no player, no manager… I don’t know what his problem with me was or I don’t know why… I can’t really give you an answer that we really never were connected. As soon as I arrived here, I didn’t have the chance to do what I am capable of doing for a team and a franchise. ” However, Darvin Hamsuccessor to Frank Vogelseems to want to start on a good basis with Russell Westbrook. The new coach of Lakers would also like to give him a chance to prove what he is really capable of: ” I’m very excited about the idea of ​​coaching Russ. They try to blame everything on him, and that’s one of the things I’m most excited about in this job. He and I have had a very good relationship since I accepted this position. » Faced with the will of Darvin Hamthem Los Angeles Lakers could decide to keep Russell Westbrook an additional season. To be continued…