NFL Legend Berates Magic Johnson For Suggesting Lakers Retain Russell Westbrook Despite NBA Playoffs Miss

The man under the cosh all season was Russell Westbrook. The off-season trade of Westbrook did not result in good fortunes for the Lakers. Instead, they have had their struggles and Russ West has had one of the worst seasons in his career.

NFL legend Shannon Sharpe once again expressed his frustrations over the Russ West trade happening in the first place. However, he also went berserk, reacting to Magic Johnson, suggesting that ‘Brodie’ should stay at the Lakers for one more season.

Sharpe said, “They make it seem like Frank Vogel didn’t try to make it work, but when the process of trying to make something work, someone has to be amenable to that.”

“When Russ signed up. He had to be willing to accept being the third option. Russ is unwilling to accept that. It’s LeBron, AD, Russ. Russ has never had to be a third option. If you want to make it with Russ, you’re going to probably need to move LeBron. Put the ball in Russ’ hands and say, Russ, play like you did at Washington. Play like you did at OKC after KD left.”

“Other than that, Skip, I don’t see how it works. How many more years does Magic think he has of LeBron? You’ve just wasted your 19th. Are you willing to waste your 20? Because, Skip, I don’t see how Russ works,” he added.

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It actually makes no sense as to why LeBron and Russ have not worked well together. They both are proven veterans and legends of the game. But for some reason, Russell Westbrook has not found his role at the Lakers.

Skip Bayless reacts to Magic Johnson’s suggestion about Lakers and Russell Westbrook

Skip Bayless explained why Russ West is untradeable. He said, “I believe you’re missing Magic’s point. His point is that Russ is untradeable, which has been my point to you from day one.”

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Bayless added that Westbrook was a disaster this season and teams saw that and that is what will make it difficult for the Lakers to trade him.

“The rest of the league knows how bad he has degenerated into being because he has lost some of his athleticism. He’s now 33, he’s about to play year 15 and his numbers fell dangerously,” said Skip Bayless.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in search of positivity. One of the worst seasons in their history is behind them. Now it’s time for the Lakers to come back stronger next season. They failed to qualify for the playoffs and couldn’t even qualify for the play-in tournament.

An impressive individual season from LeBron James was not enough to end their season with some success. The Lakers would hope they can sort out the things soon so that they can start preparing for a successful next season.