2. Decide the fate of Russell Westbrook
Last summer LeBron and AD lobbied Pelinka to trade for Westbrook. So the Lakers GM acquiesced, surrendering a package of players for the future Hall-of-Famer. But as LA fans are only too aware, Westbrook was never a good fit.
Following the season he blamed Vogel for his problems even though Russ led the team in games and minutes played as well as shots attempted. It was hardly Vogel’s fault when Westbrook dribbled the ball off his foot, passed it wildly out of bounds, or shanked shots off the top of the backboard.
To his credit, however, Westbrook averaged more assists, 7.1 per game, than any other teammate LeBron James has played with throughout his NBA career. Russ also snagged 7.4 rebounds (matching his career average) and shot 48.5% on two-point attempts (slightly above his career 47.1%).
Fans lamented his turnovers and three-point shooting. But his 3.8 TOs per game were in fact a tad less than his 4.1 career average, and his 29.8% rate behind the line was pretty much the same as his career 30.5%. And, while playing with two other 20 PPG scorers, it’s not at all surprising that his 18.5 PPG was about 4 points below his career average.
When looked at as a whole, Westbrook’s stats actually appear respectable. On paper at least, it seems like he performed essentially as anticipated. So what’s the problem?
In part, it was a matter of consistency. Westbrook’s output varied considerably from game to game. There was also his defense, or lack thereof. But mostly it’s the fact that his game is totally dependent on having the ball in his hands. And of course, that’s exactly what James also needs to succeed. Since NBA games are played with only one basketball, Westbrook does not fit naturally alongside LeBron.
This summer, Russ is fully expected to exercise his $47.1 million player option. In a perfect world, it would probably be best for both Westbrook and the team to trade him elsewhere.
But that presents two problems. What will other teams offer in return? And what else would the Lakers have to give up?
If trading Westbrook would require the team to surrender yet another first-round draft pick, Pelinka and company should immediately say “no thanks.” The front office has already dealt away more than enough of the Lakers’ future. It makes no sense to ship out any additional, valuable future assets.
Instead, the Lakers can try once again to see if somehow Russ can adapt and fit in at least a little bit better with James and Davis. If the combination still hasn’t worked by midseason, they should be able to put together a better deal for Westbrook at the trade deadline.