Los Angeles Lakers: Laker fans debate the Russell Westbrook trade
By Ronald Agers
James Harden changed his game for the Brooklyn Nets, can Russell Westbrook do the same in L.A.?
The big question after this big trade will be how all three will mesh together, especially with Westbrook, James and Davis all used to being the No. 1 guy during their careers. It’s the same question that was asked when James Harden was dealt to the Nets to team up with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant.
Ricky Welch:
You guys had Harden pegged in a certain way too. He went to the Nets and showed that he can be a high level point guard, not just a scoring ball hog. Different situations can lead to different results. I keep saying it, because it’s true.
Russ can still flat out ball. He brings exactly the type of playing style we need. Aggressive, relentlessly attacking of the paint. 12 assists and 12 rebounds show that he does work when he gets into that paint. What second unit wants to see Russ? What starting little guard, looks forward to seeing him either? LeBron is not KD, or Harden. James brings the best out of you for best for the team. AD covers the rest.
Granted Mr. Welch is right. James Harden overhauled his game to fit in with the Brooklyn Nets. The only thing is the “Big 3” for Brooklyn played less than what…twenty games tops? The small sample size leaves that narrative up in the air. It is still very much in the theoretical stages like the Lakers face now.
McKinley Webb:
No on Russ…I can just see him trying to do too much and opponents getting into his head when crunch time comes around in the playoffs and him shooting LA right out of the series like he did when LA played Houston on the way to their title.
He is dynamic, but if he could only subject himself to the team, deferring to AD and LeBron and working on the other things he excels at; getting out on the break, distributing the ball and rebounding it might work, but I doubt it…He still sees himself as a superstar and “The Man”…The flaws in his game and how he sees himself, in the end outweigh any advantages.
Both arguments are strong so let’s go to Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill to break the tie. the Lakers moved from 4-1 to +350 to win the NBA title. The Brooklyn Nets are +225 favorites.
Tiebreaker goes to Ricky Welch.
Finally we get to the one debate that every media personality, NBA writer and fan will be thinking about all season long. Shooting. Read on…