3 Reasons the Los Angeles Lakers would win a title with Kyrie Irving
By Nick Halden
3. Kyrie joining the Lakers means Westbrook leaves Los Angeles
From the way, he handled the media to the way he refused to adjust his play on the court Russell Westbrook’s first season with the Lakers went as badly as it could have. Westbrook at this point in his career isn’t a player who can play alongside other stars and thrive. He is a ball-dominant guard who consistently turns the ball over and makes questionable decisions.
When he is the unquestioned leader and best player on the team this style works to a certain level. When you have Davis and James alongside you, however, two players expecting to win another championship this level of style of play isn’t acceptable.
Kyrie coming to the Lakers makes them instantly title contenders due to the fact this means Westbrook is gone. The last fully healthy Lakers team we watched won the championship in the bubble with Davis and James leading the way.
The next season the team had a series lead on the eventual conference champion Suns before injuries ended their hopes of a repeat.
It is established if Davis and James are healthy they are enough to have this Lakers team in title contention. Take away Westbrook and add a legitimate scorer in Kyrie and those chances will skyrocket for Los Angeles.