Officials within the Los Angeles Lakers organization have reportedly engaged in discussions regarding the controversial decision to trade for Russell Westbrook in 2021, which has not paid off as expected. During a recent Q&A session on YouTube, Jovan Buha from The Athletic addressed these ongoing issues, shedding light on the dynamics within the team.
Buha stated that while there has been accountability regarding the Westbrook trade, it appears that blame has been shared among multiple parties. He noted the involvement of both star players and the front office, including the ownership, emphasizing that a collective responsibility exists in the decision-making process. This acknowledgment of mixed accountability indicates a nuanced approach to understanding the challenges that accompanied the acquisition.
Originally, the Lakers aimed to form a “Big 3” alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis by trading for Westbrook, sending Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, and Montrezl Harrell to the Washington Wizards. Despite Westbrook’s impressive accolades as a nine-time All-Star and former MVP, his time with the Lakers was marked by disappointing performance. Over two seasons, he averaged 17.4 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.9 rebounds per game, shooting under 30% from the three-point range. His tenure culminated in a 33-49 record during his full season, leading to his trade before the deadline, which paved the way for the Lakers’ surprising run to the Western Conference Finals.
Buha suggested that the Lakers’ prior championship success and their recent strong playoff performance may have contributed to management’s decision to retain general manager Rob Pelinka, who has maintained a positive relationship with owner Jeanie Buss despite the setbacks of the Westbrook trade.
Now, with the core of LeBron James and Anthony Davis still intact, the Lakers are finding success this season, buoyed by contributions from players like D’Angelo Russell and rookie Dalton Knecht. With a promising 10-5 record, the Lakers sit in fourth place in the Western Conference, hinting at a bright outlook for the rest of the season.
This context serves as a reminder that in professional sports, decision-making is often complicated, and while some moves may not yield the desired results, teams can bounce back and realign for future successes. The Lakers’ current performance indicates that while the Westbrook era may have its challenges, the organization is still capable of strong achievements moving forward.