The Los Angeles Lakers have apparently defined the course of action for this offseason, as they already secured their new head coach and the roster for next season is already getting put together. They have some players signed for the foreseeable future, and now is time to look for the right pieces to build around their Big 3.
Darvin Ham has reportedly made it clear that he wants Russell Westbrook to work well with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, meaning that the newly signed coach is willing to do the job of turning things around with the trio of superstars. Russ was heavily criticized during this season, but people within the organization believe he can bounce back.
Besides this, the front office is now making it clear that they won’t move Westbrook this offseason. Added to Ham’s desires, the team doesn’t want to give additional assets to facilitate a Westbrook trade somewhere else. The Charlotte Hornets, Brooklyn Nets, and Miami Heat have been named potential candidates to land Russ, but according to Marc Stein, the former NBA MVP is staying put in Los Angeles.
Via HoopsHype:
The Lakers are tuning out the skeptics yet again and insisting to anyone who will listen that they would rather keep Russell Westbrook on the roster for next season than surrender additional assets to convince someone to trade for him. The Lakers are also said to be adamant that they won’t release the former MVP and eat his $47.1 million player option for next season after Westbrook picks it up.
A lot has been said about this situation, with some reports suggesting that Westbrook could even be bought out by the Lakers. Well, it looks like they will run it back with a healthy team. If Westbrook can find his place on the court and James and Davis remain healthy, doing their thing, the Lakers will have a good chance to compete for the championship next year.
