Suffice to say, the 2022-23 campaign has not been kind to the Los Angeles Lakers. They just cannot seem to get over the hump at this point and their record is quite indicative of that.
Certainly, Friday’s night loss to the Sacramento Kings does not help matters whatsoever. The Lakers are now 2-10, making them one of only two teams to have just two victories so far.
Despite the lackluster start to the season, there have been a few bright spots worth noting. One encouraging aspect about the Lakers has been how well Russell Westbrook has been playing of late.
Ever since new head coach Darvin Ham chose to bring Westbrook off the bench, the point guard has been blossoming. One could even argue that Westbrook has been the purple and gold’s best player at times.
Talk about a huge narrative shift. Going into this year, hardly anyone who follows the Lakers had a lot of nice things to say about the former MVP. Certain folks did not dare to refer to Westbrook by his own last name, opting to make up their own creative versions of it to express their frustrations.
However, a lot of the negativity has dissipated due to how Westbrook has performed. It truly looks like Russ is having fun again due to having the freedom to be himself.
Scattered across 11 appearances, the future Hall of Famer is averaging 16.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He is also converting 36.2 percent of his three-point attempts, which would be a career-high if he can sustain that level of production.
Given that Westbrook has been a sparkplug off the bench, the Lakers have reportedly been getting trade calls here recently. Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report went on to say, though, that none of these conversations have been too “serious” in nature.
The Los Angeles Lakers must capitalize on this increased interest in Russell Westbrook.
Even though these trade talks may merely be whispers at this juncture, it may not remain that way if the Lakers’ sixth man continues to ball out. Assuming Westbrook continues to play at a high level, Los Angeles could net a decent package in return.
Considering where the Lakers sit in the standings, it may honestly be worth pulling the trigger while the iron is hot. As Daniel Starkand of Lakers Nation indicates, Westbrook is on an expiring contract. As a result, getting some value for him now could prove to be worthwhile.
Indeed, as Starkand mentions, it would be optimal if the Lakers could obtain at least a pair of quality pieces in exchange for Russell. Perhaps the main caveat, though, is how much money the point guard makes.
Because Westbrook makes well over $40 million and is not a starter, some teams may be reluctant due to those reasons alone. Despite that, it is important to think about the sheer fact that Westbrook has been willing to be a team player.
Per Paolo Songco of ClutchPoints, many wondered whether the 34-year-old would be okay with his new role off the pine. The man is a nine-time All-Star, after all, and has been a bona fide starter for practically his entire career.
That being said, the fact that Ham made the early decision to cut Westbrook from the starting rotation was bold. It could have potentially led to things spiraling out of control and that is a vast understatement.
On account of how awful Westbrook’s tenure had already been with L.A. prior to a couple of weeks ago, the 6-foot-3 guard could have boycotted playing for the Lakers again right then and there. It was not out of the realm of possibility.
However, amid a season that has been one to forget for the Lakers, the all-time leader in triple-doubles has been a breath of fresh air. The dude has been playing rock-solid basketball for the most part for the Lakers and his trade value has definitely increased. He looks reborn in a sense and it would be advisable for the front office to make something happen while they can.
At this stage of his career, Westbrook may not be the type of guy who needs to play 35 to 40 minutes a night anymore. But he is a player who has shown he is more than capable of maximizing his time in a lesser role.
In other words, there has been slightly lesser pressure on Westbrook to be great and he seems to be embracing Ham’s decision. He looks as good as he ever has in a Lakers uniform.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most disappointing teams in the league this season and making matters worse is what LA could have had.
Thus, the front office needs to seriously ponder the notion of getting some assets in return for The Brodie. If those assets end up being younger players, that would be even more ideal. The Lakers’ season has been disastrous, so shaking things up a bit may be their best move currently.