Rob Pelinka and the Los Angeles Lakers are doing whatever they can to move on from Russell Westbrook for good. While very few teams are actually entertaining the idea of trading for Russ, the sudden availability of Kyrie Irving has put the disgruntled point guard at the front and center of trade rumors this summer.
But on the off chance that he remains on the roster for the upcoming season, Lakers beat writer Jovan Buha says he still holds his claim as the team’s starting point guard, with Austin Reeves projected to be his backcourt running mate.
The Lakers are looking to start whichever wing/guard can make 3s and defend at the point of attack at the highest level on the roster, according to league sources. The player that stands out in training camp and the preseason will be the favorite for the job.
Reaves gets the early nod here, as he was the best wing among this group last season. He can handle point-of-attack defensive duties, allowing Westbrook to hide on the worst perimeter scorer. He can also serve as a secondary ball handler and playmaker that helps the offense flow. Assuming he enjoys positive regression with his shooting – he made just 31.7 percent from 3 last year after a second-half swoon – he should be in the conversation for best role-playing shooter on the roster. His primary competition is Brown Jr., who is less skilled, but shot a higher percentage on 3s last season.
Even though Westbrook starts in this scenario, he would play the fewest minutes of his career due to his projected age-related regression. Reaves would be a tick under 30 minutes per night.
As bad as Westbrook has been lately, he’s still L.A.’s best point guard at the moment. Kendrick Nunn hasn’t seen the court in over a year, and Lonnie Walker IV is still young and undeveloped.
It’s obviously not an ideal scenario given how last season went for the Lakers, but it’s not impossible to make things work with Westbrook. With new head coach Darvin Ham and his new game plan, Russ could be in for a huge bounce-back year.
Until then, Lakers fans will be holding their breath with anticipation for news of his departure.
