The Los Angeles Lakers entered a complex 2022 NBA offseason after recording one of the worst seasons in franchise history. They assembled another disappointing Big 3 with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook that didn’t work out. They missed the play-in tournament and now fans want to see something different from the Purple and Gold.
In recent days, they’ve been linked with a shocking move for Kyrie Irving, but so far, this is only speculation. Meanwhile, the Lakers are keeping all the options available, including Eric Gordon and Buddy Hield. Even though the Lakers don’t have many assets to pull off big moves, they could still make some shocking decisions.
According to Brian Windhorst, LeBron James’ way to handle things when they don’t go in his favor could mean that the Lakers make a big splash and get rid of some players to make room for others.
“LeBron is known for flushing his whole team. It’s happened several times where he is like, ‘Nope, phsssss, start over.'”
In the wake of Jeanie Buss’ tweets mentioning Kobe Bryant, wondering what the Black Mamba would do if he was still around, Windhorst didn’t say that Buss was talking about LeBron James, but he explained what could have happened if James ever called Bryant to ask for advice.
“If Kobe was still with us, and knowing that Rob Pelinka is one of his best friends, and is the general manager of the team, and LeBron called Kobe right now. Let’s say, Kobe was in the editing room working on some new documentary or new series right now, and his phone rang and it was LeBron and he said, ‘KB, I don’t know what to do here, this team is not good enough. I really want us to trade for Kyrie, I don’t give a flying bleep about the 2027 draft pick…’ You know what would Kobe tell him to do. What would the Kobe system say? What would the Mamba Mentality be for LeBron James?
“I’m not so sure that’s what Jennie’s talking about here, but it’s interesting,” Windhorst said.
The Los Angeles Lakers have many questions to answer this summer. They are still interested in Kyrie Irving, but also stuck with Russell Westbrook. Even though Darvin Ham wants Russ to succeed in LA, the team appears to be getting ready for life after him. Anthony Davis also has something to prove for next season, so you know it’ll be a challenge for the entire team.
Two years after winning their 17th NBA championship, the Lakers have no clear direction and this crisis could extend for more seasons.
