When a team possesses multiple stars, the fans of that team expect success on a regular basis. So when the Los Angeles Lakers brought in Russell Westbrook to join LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers fanbase expected glory.
However, the team’s performance this season has hardly ever been close to great. One reason for this is Russell Westbrook. His poor performances have led to several folks in the NBA community talking about his future in LA. One such person was an unnamed NBA executive who shed light on Lakers, claiming that the ‘Purple and Gold’ are, in fact, trying to trade away the superstar point guard, but are finding it difficult to do so.
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NBA executive: “It’s obvious they’re trying to move Westbrook, which is damn near impossible. They know that roster’s just not working.” https://t.co/lCg2beBwxB
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) February 7, 2022
Fan Reactions to Westbrook’s Trade Update
This trade news took fans by storm, especially the Lakers fanbase. Many of them believe that their season is now finished.
Lakers are so finished😭😭
— 🌟 (@steph_burner) February 7, 2022
We’re fucked, no team is going to help us move him. https://t.co/fmAQCf8FNP
— Lake Show Empire (@LakeShowEmpire) February 7, 2022
Lakers blew their championship blueprint trading for russ. All they do is go after big names
— ً (@FanMahome) February 7, 2022
Additionally, several fans criticized LeBron James for not building a strong enough team. They blamed the ‘King’ for his failure in picking a roster to support the big three.
They using Westbrook as a scapegoat. This is all LeGM’s fault for failing to build another superteam https://t.co/wXcKxKkSWF
— Brandon🐻 (@Animetitties25) February 7, 2022
Stop blaming Westbrook for Lebrons failure in building another superteam
— 𝔇𝔍³⁰💫 (@ratiodbySteph) February 7, 2022
Lebrons not as great at making teammates better than most suggest. He makes spot up shooters look good or uses a superstar as a spot up shooter to make himself look good.
— patrick miya (@MiyaPatrick) February 7, 2022
Furthermore, some fans put the blame on the Lakers’ head coach Frank Vogel. They criticized the coach for not giving Westbrook clear instructions on his role.
It can work tho Vogel is reliant to much on Lebron and he’s not coaching and Lebrons doing that for him. They need sit down with Russ and say these are the things I need from you when You’re with the Starters High energy rebounding,Cutting,getting in passing lanes making plays…
— McVeano (@veano90) February 7, 2022
Literally only Vogel
— its freddy (@MustyCactus) February 7, 2022
And Vogel is a major problem
— NYC Roundball (@NycRoundball) February 7, 2022
Despite Russ’ huge salary, some fans proposed possible trades scenarios that could benefit both the Lakers and the team that receives Westbrook. They even agreed to the idea of the Lakers trading Westbrook for John Wall.
1st and 2nds to the magic should be good Westbrook will opt out cause he ain’t staying in Orlando plus magic can free up cap space next season with this pic.twitter.com/qXUHa3fBOX
— Facts stater (@russelllltextb1) February 7, 2022
Pelicans will take him but you gotta give us your 2027 FRP and we'll give you Tomas Satoransky and Garrett Temple
— Big Pelican Flock (@pelican_big) February 7, 2022
Russ to the Knicks makes the most sense for the Knicks
— Panther55 (@ChurchDarrius) February 7, 2022
— AJ (@AbrahamLedda) February 7, 2022
In Conclusion
Clearly, the whole mix of reactions focuses on Westbrook’s performances for the Lakers, with fans even blaming LeBron James and the Lakers’ front office for adding Westbrook to the team. This will probably create a vicious cycle that will make Laker fans unhappy and affect Westbrook’s morale.
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In fact, we’ve already seen this in the game against the Knicks where Westbrook was heavily booed by the crowd. He would finish that game with just 5 points by shooting 1 of 10 from the field.
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But the Lakers seem to have additional problems apart from Westbrook. Their defense is among the worst in the league as they concede 112.3 points a game on average. This is about 1.4 points higher than what they score on average. Another factor is the age of the team. Older players generally tend to be less athletic and more injury-prone.
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Clearly, Westbrook alone cannot be blamed for the Lakers’ poor form. Although he may be part of the problem, he isn’t the problem itself. With the trade deadline closing in, it’s now or never for the Lakers to make any trades whatsoever. But if they choose to stick with the superstar, then we will have to wait and see if he can rise from the ashes and provide success for his team.