via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 27: LeBron James (L) and Kobe Bryant (R) look on during a basketball press conference ahead of the London 2012 Olympics on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 27: LeBron James (L) and Kobe Bryant (R) look on during a basketball press conference ahead of the London 2012 Olympics on July 27, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)
NBA legend, the late Kobe Bryant, was one of the most influential players in the history of the Los Angeles Lakers. He is one of the very few players to spend their entire careers with one team.
Furthermore, he brought success to the storied franchise. During his long and illustrious career with the Purple and Gold, Bryant won 5 NBA championships, 2 Finals MVP awards, and 1 NBA MVP award. Earlier this month, Lakers owner Jeanie Buss took to Twitter and said she misses Kobe Bryant during times like these.
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Now, there are reports coming out saying that Jeanie Buss is only willing to move first-round picks if it will turn the Lakers into a contender. And it could cause a dent in their reported pursuit of Indiana Pacers stars Buddy Hield and Myles Turner.
Earlier there were suggestions that the Lakers front office had discussions with the Pacers about the possibility. But any trade that involves Russell Westbrook would require the Lakers to give up on draft picks.
According to @WindhorstESPN, Jeanie Buss is not willing to move first round picks unless it will turn the Lakers into a legitimate contender. pic.twitter.com/DcR1T66fuU
— Top Ball Coverage (@TopBallCoverage) July 22, 2022
It begs the question of whether Jeanie Buss would consider Buddy Hield or Myles Turner to be able to change the Lakers into contenders. If not, the Lakers might not be willing to use the draft picks and the deal could be called off.
Last season, sharpshooter Buddy Hield only played 26 regular season games due to injury. He averaged 18.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. Similarly, Myles Turner only played 42 games last season. He averaged 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks per game.
Jeanie Buss misses Kobe Bryant at a time when the Lakers are struggling
In her tweet about Kobe Bryant, Buss said that Bryant was the greatest Laker ever. She said that it was because he understood the team comes before himself or anyone else.
I miss KB. He would understand and explain everything that I’m not allowed to. Honestly he was the greatest Laker ever. He understood team over self. Meaning your rewards would come if you valued team goals over your own then everything would fall into place. All can reply.
— Jeanie Buss (@JeanieBuss) July 4, 2022
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The Lakers had one of the worst seasons last year as they failed to secure a playoff spot. At 37 years old, LeBron James had one of his best individual seasons averaging 30 points per game. He was in contention for the NBA scoring title with Joel Embiid. However, James’ efforts went in vain.
Superstar Russell Westbrook, who was acquired last season, had a poor season as he struggled throughout the season. Another superstar Anthony Davis again missed a major part of the regular season due to injury.
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After the end of last season, the Lakers parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel. They have now signed Darvin Ham as the new head coach recently. While the fans wanted to see substantial changes made to the roster after a disappointing season, the front office hasn’t been able to make any so far. With expectations high as ever, the front office is under pressure to add quality to the roster.
