The Los Angeles Lakers kickstarted the 2022-23 season on the road against the Golden State Warriors. While the Warriors received their championship rings from last season, most of the expected problems showed their face for the Lakers.
The biggest spotlight on the Lakers is shined directly on Russell Westbrook. Westbrook’s summer was filled with trade rumors as Rob Pelinka surveyed many different options for the former MVP but did not find a deal he liked.
This would have a negative impact on any player and Westbrook’s activity on the court is already being dissected, even when it doesn’t deserve to be.
Charles Barkley has noticed that Westbrook does not look like the same player that he used to be but not because of his talent level, but because of the way he is playing. Barkley went on an emotional rant about Westbrook and the Lakers during the TNT halftime show, stating that Westbrook has lost his joy in life and basketball.
"It's time for the Lakers to move on... They have taken all his joy out of life and basketball."
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 19, 2022
Chuck goes off on Russell Westbrook with the Lakers pic.twitter.com/ktevt7J0ns
Charles Barkley is completely right about Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers.
This is a loveless marriage. Neither party really wants to be with each other but Westbrook stayed in LA on his player option because he could not sacrifice the financial security that comes with $47.1 million.
The Lakers, meanwhile, have not parted ways yet because they do not want to have to give up their future assets. It is a classic relationship that is essentially dead but both sides still need each other for reasons outside of the relationship.
It would be better for all parties involved if the Westbrook experience could end in LA. Los Angeles could potentially build out more depth and add more complementary pieces to contend for a title. Westbrook, meanwhile, could go play on a small-market team where he is the biggest thing in town.
There, Westbrook could stat pad and chase his triple-doubles and not worry about the team breathing down his neck. Winning or losing won’t matter there, he can ball out and get his numbers.
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Until that happens, we are going to see more ugly nights like the opening night. While it was not all on Westbrook, it is clear that this team has problems and one of the biggest problems is the narrative that is very obviously hanging above the head of Westbrook and the team.