Name them the affected person Lakers.
After a summer-long wave of commerce rumors surrounding Russell Westbrook, the Lakers have determined to see how the purpose guard suits below new head coach, Darvin Ham.
However proper earlier than coaching camp opened final week, the Lakers gave it yet another strive at negotiating a blockbuster commerce with the Pacers to dump Westbrook, in response to The Athletic.
The Lakers and Pacers had been reportedly in severe discussions a few mega-deal that may’ve despatched Westbrook and their two unprotected first-round picks (2027 and ’29) to the Pacers for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield.
The Lakers’ heavy hitters — proprietor Jeanie Buss, GM Rob Pelinka and senior basketball adviser Kurt Rambis — “critically thought-about” the deal, with the views of Ham and Lakers executives Joey and Jesse Buss additionally being strongly thought-about within the course of, in response to The Athletic.
The discussions had been apparently thus far alongside that the Lakers even delayed their midweek information convention for Pelinka and Ham to proceed debating.
Pelinka in the end pulled the plug on the discussions, and determined to “stay affected person” to see how the workforce jells.
Westbrook, who had one of many worst seasons of his profession final 12 months, exercised his $47.1 million choice in June to return to Los Angeles.
Buss and Ham have expressed optimism about Westbrook enjoying below the brand new coach after the purpose guard beforehand stated he didn’t get alongside nicely with former coach Frank Vogel.
The Lakers’ preliminary formal talks with the Pacers started after the NBA Summer season League, which led to each side to reportedly focus on first-and-second-round picks as compensation for each Turner and Hield.
The groups additionally mentioned a number of different commerce iterations, together with including a 3rd workforce such because the Grizzlies, who may take a 2027 or ’29 first-rounder from the Lakers for 2 first-rounders of their very own to ship to Indiana, in accordance the outlet.
Lakers star LeBron James reportedly utilized no strain on the Lakers’ commerce discussions with the Pacers. James, in actual fact, has proven his assist for Westbrook, each publicly and reportedly privately.
In late August, James stated he “can’t look forward to [Westbrook] to go off this season,” in response to a message from web character Cuffs the Legend, who tweeted, “The Westbrook disrespect and vitriol continues to be corny no matter how you are feeling about final season. Some individuals gotta get a life man.”
All through the summer time, the Lakers have reportedly pursued plenty of commerce eventualities involving Westbrook — together with Nets guard Kyrie Irving and former Laker Jordan Clarkson from the Jazz.
The Lakers additionally raised questions in regards to the cohesiveness of their roster after they traded for veteran guard Patrick Beverley in August.
Westbrook and Beverley’s rocky relationship is well-documented relationship again to the 2013 playoffs — although, each gamers insist they’ve cultivated a detailed friendship since Beverley’s arrival in Los Angeles.
The Lakers are on a mission to return to the playoffs after a 33-49 end final season, permitting the third-most factors per recreation (115.1) within the NBA.
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