Adverse Deja Vu for Lakers As “Unbalanced Roster” Could Lead to Similar Russell Westbrook Fiasco, per Insider

Since their win at the inaugural In-season tournament, the Los Angeles Lakers have been in a tough spot. For starters, a constantly shifting starting five has riddled the roster with instability, which has led to constant losses. Other than their recent win against the Clippers, their record is 9 losses in 12 games. Besides that, the rumblings of an unhappy locker room had also placed doubts about the longevity of head coach Darvin Ham.

With the 2024 trade deadline only a month away, NBA insiders think that the Lakers may find themselves in a situation mirroring the Russel Westbrook Fiasco. With that considered, let’s see what they have to say!

Is this going to be a blast from the past

In the recent edition of the 2024 ESPN NBA roundtable, experts and insiders were asked the most pertinent questions for the season. Bobby Marks shared his insights on the Lakers’ current situation sharing, “Blame it on a lack of continuity as a result of injuries, but the Lakers are in danger of not even reaching the play-in tournament,” said Marks. He further added, ” Los Angeles could find itself in the same position it was in with Russell Westbrook — an unbalanced roster with three players earning more than $150 million combined per season.” 

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Back in the 21-2022 season, in an already stacked roster with names like Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Isiah Thomas, not to mention LBJ and AD, the Lakers brought in Russell Westbrook in hopes of winning a championship. Not only did it backfire, with Russ underperforming well below his former MVP numbers, but it also resulted in LA not making the playoffs. The gamble failed, and it concluded with Westbrook being traded to the Utah Jazz but never playing, eventually landing in the Clippers.

There have been many rumors about potential candidates to join the Lakers, like Zach LaVine. However, the front office will have to pay close attention to the balance of talent in the team while also maintaining their salary cap space. Until things become official, the current players will have to focus and try to bring in the much-needed wins. Just like they did against their cross-city rivals.

Lakers vs. Clippers: a breakdown

Amid their hot streak, the LA Clippers fell to the Lakers 103-106. LeBron James averaged 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 assists, while AD went for a double-double with 22 points and 10 rebounds. Both teams fought tooth and nail and the game went down to the very last second but ultimately tipped in favor of the Lakers as Norman Powell missed a clutch three-pointer.

Despite both Paul George and Ivica Zubac scoring in the twenties, the Clippers just couldn’t make it in the very last second. However, that doesn’t detract from the fact they are still 4th seed in the West and the Lakers are the 10th. So, it’s an uphill battle for LeBron and Co to make it for the playoffs this year.

What are your thoughts about this situation? Let us know in the comments!

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