When Russell Westbrook joined the Lakers this past summer, there was a lot of optimism about what he could do for the team.
And while he brings plenty of positives to the table, calling his tenure so far a success would be a major stretch.
Westbrook’s out-of-control playstyle and his shortcomings on the offensive end have raised more than a few eyebrows around Laker Nation, especially considering the team is just 17-19 on the season.
Following their most recent loss, in which the pint guard had 5 turnovers, fans took to Twitter in frustration, calling for the team to trade him.
https://twitter.com/DreMoney__/status/1476408319694843909
Lakers either need to trade Russ or bench him. He would be nice with the 2nd unit but he messing up Bron flow. Not gone lie.
— Chris “Dos The Trainer” Rouché (@KingDos_2) December 30, 2021
Trade Russ. It’s evident that every team he’s on he messes it up. I believe he is a great player but chemistry wise it’s not adding up. Taking away Caruso was a huge mistake to begin with. I had hopes in thinking that it would start rough but their chemistry would evolve at least
— 🇭🇹 (@villaard) December 30, 2021
Trade Russ trending 😭
— Mac (@malimalholland) December 30, 2021
Russ ain’t it #tradeRuss
— Braeden Abbott (@braedenabbott) December 30, 2021
Trade Russ @Lakers , this is getting out of hand!
— JayDub (@jjwhaley) December 30, 2021
No lie down 3 Russ has no business being in the game. They’ll just trade off of him and leave him wide. Like today lmaoooo.
— Alex (@mr_bornlegend) December 30, 2021
Dis da bullshit I be talking bout. 🤦🏾♂️ honestly if John Wall would like to trade places w Russ trust me I wouldn’t complain one bit. Why? Cause dat boy fromna hoop state.. https://t.co/5lvmSZMDrt
— Shelltown (@_Shelltown) December 30, 2021
trade Russ now
— Sub-Zero❄️® (@icsreal) December 30, 2021
The lakers really down bad what can save this team? 😭we need to trade AD or Russ
— Samoan Superman⚡️☀️🏀 (@ReggieThriller) December 30, 2021
For fans, the answer to their issues is simple: trade Westbrook. The problem is, that’s a whole lot easier said than done.
Russ is set to make over $91 million over these next two seasons. How many teams would be willing to take him on for that price considering his failed stints in OKC, Houston, D.C., and now L.A.? If the Lakers do find a team willing to listen, how much would they even be willing to give up?
At this point, trading Westbrook might be more of a pipe dream for Lakers fans than anything else.
“This will be a tougher deal to make happen than people realize,” said Jalen Rose. “Based on his high level of productivity when he’s at his best, his high turnovers when he’s struggling, and his high salary with his age. He’s gotten the chance to play with some of the best players in the game and now he’s playing with LeBron James and Anthony Davis….”
“…I love Russ so much. He reminds me of myself. The thing that reminds me so much of myself is we’re acquired taste.”
The good news for the Purple and Gold is that trading Westbrook might not even be required to turn things around. As a talented NBA veteran, all Russ might need is some more time to adjust to his new environment. Perhaps some tweaks to the rotation might help maximize Westbrook’s talent.
In the meantime, all he can do is keep his head down and play to the best of his ability. Hopefully, the best is yet to come.
