I think it was after the Westbrook trade. But not certain
Everyone just looked at his stats, and when he came under a microscope for once, he completely wilted. Turns out his stats are not meaningful contributions towards winning basketball. And most didn't know how impactful losing KCP/Kuz/22nd/Trezz (and not re-signing AC) would be on this team. _________________ From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
One thing about magic, he does seem to understand the human aspect of it after living it as a player and superstar. Taking a guy out to eat and talk does seem like step 1 if he stays. _________________ 💜💛 🏆 👀 🍖 #18!!!
I think it was after the Westbrook trade. But not certain
Everyone just looked at his stats, and when he came under a microscope for once, he completely wilted. Turns out his stats are not meaningful contributions towards winning basketball. And most didn't know how impactful losing KCP/Kuz/22nd/Trezz (and not re-signing AC) would be on this team.
He's also an especially terrible on-court fit with LBJ/AD due to his lack of a jump shot, he continues to physically regress with age, and he has a huge ego without an iota of humility or self-awareness.
Bringing him back is wasting another season. _________________ Under New Management
Pretty bonkers that the damage this trade has done could extend beyond the two seasons of his contract, and result in us hiring not the coach with the best overall vision/concepts, but the guy who had the best answer for “using Russ.” Which when you think about it just means “slightly saving the face of the FO.” So this is a trade that could have a 4-5 year impact if we end up with another retread who said “I’ll let Russ be Russ,” since ya know, he’s shown zero interest in playing any other way.
I think it was after the Westbrook trade. But not certain
Everyone just looked at his stats, and when he came under a microscope for once, he completely wilted. Turns out his stats are not meaningful contributions towards winning basketball. And most didn't know how impactful losing KCP/Kuz/22nd/Trezz (and not re-signing AC) would be on this team.
He's also an especially terrible on-court fit with LBJ/AD due to his lack of a jump shot, he continues to physically regress with age, and he has a huge ego without an iota of humility or self-awareness.
Bringing him back is wasting another season.
it is the Injuries. nobody couldn've predicted the injuries to Lebron and AD. a healthy Lebron and AD combo takes us to the playoffs for sure. maybe they got bounced early, but that was the single biggest reason our season went to south. Russ alone wasn't good or bad enough to have a dent on the record. we are just a sorry team without Lebron and AD.
Russ was a terrible fit, and the timing of the events were so unfortunate for us. the covid thing hit us very hard.
I think it was after the Westbrook trade. But not certain
Everyone just looked at his stats, and when he came under a microscope for once, he completely wilted. Turns out his stats are not meaningful contributions towards winning basketball. And most didn't know how impactful losing KCP/Kuz/22nd/Trezz (and not re-signing AC) would be on this team.
The amount of times i read the words "easily replaceable" on this site last year was too damn high
Westbrook’s numbers were solid on the surface — he averaged 18.3 points, 7.1 assists and 7.5 rebounds in 78 games last season — but he was a central figure in the Lakers’ struggles. He ranked last among all Lakers in plus-minus (minus-211 in 2,678 minutes) and had the second worst on-off net differential (minus-2.4) among the nine Lakers that played 1,000-plus minutes last season. (Only Avery Bradley was worse at minus-4.3.)
Westbrook failed to live up to his $44.2 million salary and his billing as a third star. Most advanced metrics portray him as a barely positive player or a net negative. His demise has been debated for years, but this past season, Westbrook starkly dropped off in multiple categories. There were more areas in which he hurt the Lakers than helped them.
Westbrook is still seemingly at his best when he’s running the show offensively — it’s no coincidence his best offensive performance came in Charlotte without James and Davis on the floor— but he ran the show terribly last season. The Lakers were 0-5 with Westbrook as the only star and 20-32 (a 32-win pace over 82 games) with Westbrook and only one of James or Davis.
Westbrook can no longer carry the burden of successfully being the offensive focal point, which is precisely what the Lakers brought him in to do when James and/or Davis miss time due to injury.
He doesn’t fit next to James or Davis, who both are at their best with the ball in their hands and when closer to the paint. They need surrounding teammates that can shoot 3s, space the floor, cut in a timely manner, screen and relocate without the ball. Westbrook does none of those things.
James, Davis and Westbrook were just 11-10 together — a 43-win pace over an 82-game season. The Lakers had a minus-3.5 net rating in the trio’s 393 minutes together, a mark worse than the Lakers’ minus-2.9 net rating as a team. Los Angeles was technically better when its three stars didn’t share the floor. That’s a problem when trying to build out starting and closing lineups with Westbrook.
_________________ From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
No wonder teams are not eager to take his 47m, attitude, and whatever on court "production" he gives you. Lakers aren't trying to keep Russ; they can't unload him without it being prohibitively costly. _________________ From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Westbrook’s numbers were solid on the surface — he averaged 18.3 points, 7.1 assists and 7.5 rebounds in 78 games last season — but he was a central figure in the Lakers’ struggles. He ranked last among all Lakers in plus-minus (minus-211 in 2,678 minutes) and had the second worst on-off net differential (minus-2.4) among the nine Lakers that played 1,000-plus minutes last season. (Only Avery Bradley was worse at minus-4.3.)
Westbrook failed to live up to his $44.2 million salary and his billing as a third star. Most advanced metrics portray him as a barely positive player or a net negative. His demise has been debated for years, but this past season, Westbrook starkly dropped off in multiple categories. There were more areas in which he hurt the Lakers than helped them.
Westbrook is still seemingly at his best when he’s running the show offensively — it’s no coincidence his best offensive performance came in Charlotte without James and Davis on the floor— but he ran the show terribly last season. The Lakers were 0-5 with Westbrook as the only star and 20-32 (a 32-win pace over 82 games) with Westbrook and only one of James or Davis.
Westbrook can no longer carry the burden of successfully being the offensive focal point, which is precisely what the Lakers brought him in to do when James and/or Davis miss time due to injury.
He doesn’t fit next to James or Davis, who both are at their best with the ball in their hands and when closer to the paint. They need surrounding teammates that can shoot 3s, space the floor, cut in a timely manner, screen and relocate without the ball. Westbrook does none of those things.
James, Davis and Westbrook were just 11-10 together — a 43-win pace over an 82-game season. The Lakers had a minus-3.5 net rating in the trio’s 393 minutes together, a mark worse than the Lakers’ minus-2.9 net rating as a team. Los Angeles was technically better when its three stars didn’t share the floor. That’s a problem when trying to build out starting and closing lineups with Westbrook.
Sad thing is this is nothing new. Everybody knows what kind of player he is... And the Lakers still traded for him.
Teams have been demanding the inclusion of at least one first-round pick to take on Westbrook’s massive expiring contract, according to league sources. Rival teams know how much of a public trainwreck last season was for the Lakers, and they’re not looking to do Los Angeles any favors by helping them off of Westbrook’s contract.
The Lakers have four options with Westbrook: they can trade him, waive and stretch him, buy him out, or run it back with him next season. Rivals believe Los Angeles has to trade him ahead of training camp because the situation is untenable, especially after Westbrook’s exit-interview comments deflected blame toward LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the franchise.
But the Lakers don’t subscribe to that theory. As of now, they have no intention of using a first-round pick to facilitate a Westbrook trade, according to league sources.
And it’s not merely a bluff or tactic to try to regain leverage in trade talks. That may be an ancillary motive, sure, but per league sources, there is a sentiment among some within the franchise that the right coach and a better supporting cast could smooth over Westbrook’s awkward fit with James and Davis.
I'm not depressed that the front office doesn't want to burn another first round pick to unload Westbrook. I'm depressed that the situation is so publicly toxic that burning a first round pick may be the only option. _________________ Internet Argument Resolved
Westbrook’s numbers were solid on the surface — he averaged 18.3 points, 7.1 assists and 7.5 rebounds in 78 games last season — but he was a central figure in the Lakers’ struggles. He ranked last among all Lakers in plus-minus (minus-211 in 2,678 minutes) and had the second worst on-off net differential (minus-2.4) among the nine Lakers that played 1,000-plus minutes last season. (Only Avery Bradley was worse at minus-4.3.)
Westbrook failed to live up to his $44.2 million salary and his billing as a third star. Most advanced metrics portray him as a barely positive player or a net negative. His demise has been debated for years, but this past season, Westbrook starkly dropped off in multiple categories. There were more areas in which he hurt the Lakers than helped them.
Westbrook is still seemingly at his best when he’s running the show offensively — it’s no coincidence his best offensive performance came in Charlotte without James and Davis on the floor— but he ran the show terribly last season. The Lakers were 0-5 with Westbrook as the only star and 20-32 (a 32-win pace over 82 games) with Westbrook and only one of James or Davis.
Westbrook can no longer carry the burden of successfully being the offensive focal point, which is precisely what the Lakers brought him in to do when James and/or Davis miss time due to injury.
He doesn’t fit next to James or Davis, who both are at their best with the ball in their hands and when closer to the paint. They need surrounding teammates that can shoot 3s, space the floor, cut in a timely manner, screen and relocate without the ball. Westbrook does none of those things.
James, Davis and Westbrook were just 11-10 together — a 43-win pace over an 82-game season. The Lakers had a minus-3.5 net rating in the trio’s 393 minutes together, a mark worse than the Lakers’ minus-2.9 net rating as a team. Los Angeles was technically better when its three stars didn’t share the floor. That’s a problem when trying to build out starting and closing lineups with Westbrook.
I'm ok with people stanning for a player, but dear lord, Russ-stans are some of the most delusional people on Twitter, etc. Yes, he put up monster #s years ago and I would have taken Russ 5 years ago. But the 2021-22 Russ, not very good at all. _________________ From 2-10 to the Western Conference Finals
Teams have been demanding the inclusion of at least one first-round pick to take on Westbrook’s massive expiring contract, according to league sources. Rival teams know how much of a public trainwreck last season was for the Lakers, and they’re not looking to do Los Angeles any favors by helping them off of Westbrook’s contract.
The Lakers have four options with Westbrook: they can trade him, waive and stretch him, buy him out, or run it back with him next season. Rivals believe Los Angeles has to trade him ahead of training camp because the situation is untenable, especially after Westbrook’s exit-interview comments deflected blame toward LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the franchise.
But the Lakers don’t subscribe to that theory. As of now, they have no intention of using a first-round pick to facilitate a Westbrook trade, according to league sources.
And it’s not merely a bluff or tactic to try to regain leverage in trade talks. That may be an ancillary motive, sure, but per league sources, there is a sentiment among some within the franchise that the right coach and a better supporting cast could smooth over Westbrook’s awkward fit with James and Davis.
I'm not depressed that the front office doesn't want to burn another first round pick to unload Westbrook. I'm depressed that the situation is so publicly toxic that burning a first round pick may be the only option.
"there is a sentiment among some within the franchise that the right coach and a better supporting cast could smooth over Westbrook’s awkward fit with James and Davis."
Thats the worst part of this article to me. We all know how bad Russ is and will be, but the fact that there are people in charge of the Lakers with decision making power who think Russ can still work is why this franchise is doomed for the foreseeable future.
Teams have been demanding the inclusion of at least one first-round pick to take on Westbrook’s massive expiring contract, according to league sources. Rival teams know how much of a public trainwreck last season was for the Lakers, and they’re not looking to do Los Angeles any favors by helping them off of Westbrook’s contract.
The Lakers have four options with Westbrook: they can trade him, waive and stretch him, buy him out, or run it back with him next season. Rivals believe Los Angeles has to trade him ahead of training camp because the situation is untenable, especially after Westbrook’s exit-interview comments deflected blame toward LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the franchise.
But the Lakers don’t subscribe to that theory. As of now, they have no intention of using a first-round pick to facilitate a Westbrook trade, according to league sources.
And it’s not merely a bluff or tactic to try to regain leverage in trade talks. That may be an ancillary motive, sure, but per league sources, there is a sentiment among some within the franchise that the right coach and a better supporting cast could smooth over Westbrook’s awkward fit with James and Davis.
I'm not depressed that the front office doesn't want to burn another first round pick to unload Westbrook. I'm depressed that the situation is so publicly toxic that burning a first round pick may be the only option.
"there is a sentiment among some within the franchise that the right coach and a better supporting cast could smooth over Westbrook’s awkward fit with James and Davis."
Thats the worst part of this article to me. We all know how bad Russ is and will be, but the fact that there are people in charge of the Lakers with decision making power who think Russ can still work is why this franchise is doomed for the foreseeable future.
Teams have been demanding the inclusion of at least one first-round pick to take on Westbrook’s massive expiring contract, according to league sources. Rival teams know how much of a public trainwreck last season was for the Lakers, and they’re not looking to do Los Angeles any favors by helping them off of Westbrook’s contract.
The Lakers have four options with Westbrook: they can trade him, waive and stretch him, buy him out, or run it back with him next season. Rivals believe Los Angeles has to trade him ahead of training camp because the situation is untenable, especially after Westbrook’s exit-interview comments deflected blame toward LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the rest of the franchise.
But the Lakers don’t subscribe to that theory. As of now, they have no intention of using a first-round pick to facilitate a Westbrook trade, according to league sources.
And it’s not merely a bluff or tactic to try to regain leverage in trade talks. That may be an ancillary motive, sure, but per league sources, there is a sentiment among some within the franchise that the right coach and a better supporting cast could smooth over Westbrook’s awkward fit with James and Davis.
I'm not depressed that the front office doesn't want to burn another first round pick to unload Westbrook. I'm depressed that the situation is so publicly toxic that burning a first round pick may be the only option.
"there is a sentiment among some within the franchise that the right coach and a better supporting cast could smooth over Westbrook’s awkward fit with James and Davis."
Thats the worst part of this article to me. We all know how bad Russ is and will be, but the fact that there are people in charge of the Lakers with decision making power who think Russ can still work is why this franchise is doomed for the foreseeable future.
Exactly.
Apparently they knew as early on as training camp the fit wasn't there and they've been trying to trade him for months. But the sad reality is that nobody WANTS Russ. Nobody.
Will someone take him and use it to clean up their books? Yeah probably but they'll also try and milk picks out of us because they know the situation we're in. We've got 1 year to win with LeBron before he potentially walks. Nobody wants to save us.
Don't kid yourself, Lakers want him gone but at this point they have to play the card of they think he can make it work and even ask coaches how they'd make it work. There's a 50% chance (my math) that he's back.
I think it was after the Westbrook trade. But not certain
Everyone just looked at his stats, and when he came under a microscope for once, he completely wilted. Turns out his stats are not meaningful contributions towards winning basketball. And most didn't know how impactful losing KCP/Kuz/22nd/Trezz (and not re-signing AC) would be on this team.
I felt we were losing Trezz irrespective of Westbrook trade. Frank botched that one pretty good. He managed to piss off all 3 centers.
22nd pick was the toughest as we could have had Herb Jones & AC. _________________ Author of James Harden and the Strip Club
"The key to good decision making is not knowledge. It is understanding. We are swimming in the former. We are desperately lacking in the latter." - Malcom Gladwell
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