USA Today via Reuters
Nov 28, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Nov 28, 2021; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts against the Detroit Pistons in the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Los Angeles Lakers have not had a good start this season. They had an arguably horrendous pre-season, only winning one out of six games. And as for the regular season, they have lost the first two games in a row. Fans were not happy with Lakers’ vice-president Rob Pelinka and LeBron James’ statement either.
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LeBron’s statement after their blowout loss to the Sacramento Kings infuriated fans. But moreover, it was James’ comments on Russell Westbrook after their second loss of the season to the Los Angeles Clippers that had fans perhaps more heated.
The Lakers’ front office seems ready to shuffle up the roster
Westbrook had a poor offensive outing, going 0-6 from beyond the arc and 0-11 from the field. He only notched up 2 points from the 27 minutes he played. And as for vice-president Rob Pelinka, he told the media that the front office will be waiting for 20 games till post-Thanksgiving to make any trades or roster changes.
USA Today via Reuters
May 25, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with teammates against the Phoenix Suns during the first half in game two of the first round of the 2021 NBA Playoffs at Phoenix Suns Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
However, it seems the Lakers are about to make some slight changes to the roster anyway. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Los Angeles Lakers are about to hold a free agent workout and meeting with the 10-year-veteran Maurice Harkless.
The 6’7″ power forward last played for the Sacramento Kings in the 2021-2022 NBA season before hitting free agency. He was then waived by the Houston Rockets during training camp and has been testing the free agency market since then.
Lakers hold free-agent workout and meeting with a 10-year NBA veteran – details: pic.twitter.com/BHUZOtiCyA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) October 21, 2022
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter after the news broke:
No way we that down bad bro
— Josh🔪 (@Joshvert_) October 21, 2022
Jesus just milk the team name at this point. Kobe didn’t build this brick by brick for lebron to bring in whoever he thinks will be best for the team.
— 🏴☠️1-4👎 (@Rezurrrect) October 21, 2022
Never thought I would see the day the Lakers are a massive joke.
— Tye (@itsBoss_Way) October 21, 2022
This is all a joke. The lakers are NOT going to win a ring, STOP the bullshit!!! TRADE LBJ and AD for PICKS!!!?
Buy out Westbrook or bench him!!!!— Marty Susman (@papaknowsall) October 21, 2022
Com'n Rob Pelingka, lakers need shooters and wing, Bring back Melo or bring back Kuzma. Or make trades using westbrook and your trash players. Just resign if you cannot make Lakers back to a contender. Lebron is getting old now. And now is the time to make another Championship..
— Philip Adalim (@king_philip) October 21, 2022
The Lakers roster after adding Moe Harkless to the team pic.twitter.com/2SLKDP9uHY
— All StaRJ 2023 (@PlayoffBoundNYK) October 21, 2022
Although, fans did not see it that way. They went to Twitter to voice their concerns over picking Moe Harkless as their choice of signing. A fan tweeted, “No way we that down bad bro.”
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Fans do not seem happy with this choice
Fans clearly were not happy with the Lakers’ front office selection to join the team. Given that there are arguably so many other viable options in the free agency, the 10-year veteran in Harkless seemed like a step in the wrong direction for fans.
Watch This Story – Will the Lakers trade Russell Westbrook before the deadline
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Harkless can often play the small forward as a secondary position. He can be a skilled interior finisher and if everything works out, a potentially good role player and a good fit for the Lakers as well. This would likely help LeBron James rest for a while on the bench while Harkless holds the ground for the team. Only time will tell whether or not such a move is fruitful for the purple and gold.
Do you think the addition of Harkless would make a difference to the Lakers’ results this season? Let us know in the comments below.
