The Russell Westbrook experiment was a complete disaster for the Lakers. From the very first game, it was evident that Russ was not a great fit with the Purple and Gold, and he quickly became the scapegoat amid the team’s struggles last season and early in this one.
But nobody can say that RUss didn’t try to adapt, as he accepted a bench role and reduced role to maximize his fit next to LeBron and AD. And while it clearly didn’t work out for either party, Lakers coach Darvin Ham did recently give Westbrook praise for how he handled his time with the team.
“It’s unfortunate it didn’t work out, but I applaud him, I appreciate him, I respect him for what he tried to do for me in particular as a head coach in terms of the sacrificing & believing in the re-alignment and I’ve had a lot more positive moments than negative ones. We wish him nothing but the best going forward.”
Here's what Darvin Ham said about Westbrook:
"Unfortunate it didn't work out, but I applaud him, I appreciate him, I respect him for what he tried to do for me in particular as a head coach in terms of the sacrificing & believing in the re-alignment."pic.twitter.com/GfWH0wmBFo
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) April 7, 2023
Russ struggled to find his fit with the Purple and Gold, and his shooting became a major problem for a Lakers team that was already in desperate need of perimeter shotmakers.
So, in light of massive heat and drama surrounding Westbrook, Rob Pelinka made the decision to move on from him in a deadline deal that resulted in the acquisition of several elite role players like D’Angelo Russell, Jarred Vanderbilt, and Malik Beasley, among others.
It’s fair to say that the trade has worked out for both sides, given where they each stand now, but the Lakers have really hit a stride since saying goodbye to the former MVP.
Are The Lakers Real Contenders?
Since swapping Westbrook for shooters and perimeter defenders, the Lakers have become a real force in the West and have managed to climb all the way up to 7th in the standings.
Now, there are experts who firmly believe the Lakers have a chance to make a deep playoff run.
“I know someone said that nobody fears LeBron, but let me tell you something,” said Isiah Thomas. “Them 7 teams that are 1 through 7, there’s not one team saying I want to play LeBron and the Lakers. in the first round. So there is some fear there. That’s the team I think nobody really wants to face.”
Whether or not you believe the claim about the Lakers misusing Westbrook, they are a better team now in his absence than they ever were with him playing big minutes, but it doesn’t mean they can’t recognize what he sacrificed to try and make it work…
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