As we know, the Los Angeles Lakers looked for a way to part ways with Russell Westbrook during the offseason. What we suspected less is that at least one serious offer made them think before deciding to keep the former MVP for at least a few months. According to Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Lakers could now have Myles Turner and Buddy Hield in their workforce, in addition to LeBron James and Anthony Davis to name a few.
A concrete offer from the Indiana Pacers implied that the Lakers should send Russell Westbrook with unprotected first round drafts for 2027 and 2029. There was a council of war within the front office, then a collegiate decision between Jeanie Buss, the owner, Rob Pelinka, the General Manger, and Kurt Rambis, the special adviser. Together, they determined that the deal was not right for them.
They have the pressure this season, will they resist it?
In a few weeks, maybe a little more, we can already wonder if the Lakers should not have accepted the offer. Picks, especially unprotected and first-round picks, are valuable in the NBA and parting with them lightly is never a good idea. But was it not better to resolve to lose them, with the satisfaction of recovering two players who would meet important needs? Buddy Hield is an elite shooter capable of blending into different systems and Myles Turner a complete interior, able to lighten the load on Anthony Davis’ shoulders.
The Lakers front office said there would be better on the market at some point, or that Russell Westbrook would find his place with new coach Darvin Ham. We will obviously follow this with interest, hoping for the Purple and Gold that they don’t bite their fingers too quickly.
