The Los Angeles Lakers may seem like they have arrived at the roster they want to continue with for the rest of the season, but the decision was not a straightforward one. Most of the uncertainty in this situation has revolved around Russell Westbrook’s future, and whether to trade him or keep him. New reports from The Athletic have shed light on the fact that the Lakers’ brain trust did seriously consider trading Russ long after most fans assumed that the decision to keep him had been made.
Westbrook averaged less than 20 points per game last season on pretty poor efficiency coupled with a very high turnover rate. The understanding since then has been that Russ is not a good fit for the roster and that the Lakers can find better players to fill his role. And the most prominent trade possibility in recent times has been that of sending him to the Pacers for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield.
Lakers GM Rob Pelinka Was The Person That Decided To Give It Another Try With Russell Westbrook
The Lakers’ decision-making hierarchy reportedly includes Jeanie Buss, Rob Pelinka, and Kurt Rambis. Joey and Jesse Buss have also been included as voices who are considered for the Lakers. And despite this group seriously considering trading Westbrook even on the eve of training camp, the general manager, Rob Pelinka, was the man who decided to keep the former MVP and give it another try, as per The Athletic.
“While Pelinka has been given the ultimate power to make these decisions, sources say there was a desire for the entire group to come to a consensus. It appears the voices of Joey and Jesse Buss are being considered among Lakers leaders now more than ever. If they were going to gamble on a make-or-break move of this magnitude, the thinking went, then everyone had to have confidence in the same vision.
“But when that wasn’t the case, sources say, the choice was made by Pelinka to remain patient and see, yet again, if Westbrook might find a way to make this imperfect fit with the Lakers work.”
This is an interesting development considering that it has long been suggested that the Lakers’ stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis were the ones to advocate for bringing Westbrook to the team. Pelinka has seemingly shown faith in Russ now though, and it remains to be seen if Westbrook can repay it by finding a productive role with the Lakers this season. New coach Darvin Ham will also play a role in that, and he’s already planning plays that will involve Westbrook.
