After losing out on Kyrie Irving, Rob Pelinka and the L.A. Lakers didn’t take more than a second to lament before they moved on to plan B.
As reported last night, L.A. made their first big splash of the summer by signing defensive juggernaut Patrick Beverley, who will add some toughness and personality to the roster.
For now, the status of Russell Westbrook remains a mystery, but some still believe it’s only a matter of time before he’s traded elsewhere.
“One hundred percent Russell Westbrook is getting traded,” NBA analyst Nick Wright said on his podcast. “Russ is getting traded because he’s the only way to improve the roster. And as much as the Lakers might want to try the most volatile basketball chemistry of any basketball team ever, they are not going to have Russell Westbrook (and Beverly on the same team). Can you imagine the disgust on Russell Westbrook’s face if he gets subbed out of the game and Patrick Beverley’s coming in? That’s not happening (h/t Michael Macasero of sportskeeda).”
Come for @getnickwright's reaction to Patrick Beverley teaming up with LeBron & the Lakers, stay for a sneak peek at our brand new set! pic.twitter.com/HlefL5ZIjg
— What’s Wright? with Nick Wright (@WhatsWrightShow) August 25, 2022
On the court, Westbrook failed to deliver in several key categories. On defense, he left much to be desired and was often a liability for the Lakers. On offense, he’s prone to poor decision-making and committing wild turnovers.
Worst of all is that the guy can’t shoot, meaning that on top of all the flaws he already has, he’s unable to stretch the floor and make up for them.
Russ only has one year left on his deal, so his stay with the Lakers will likely not last much longer, regardless of how this season plays out. But as GM Rob Pelinka continues to make moves behind the scenes, there is a growing sense that Russ should be included in one of those deals, or it could doom the Lakers for another nightmarish campaign.
