Originally posted by 4ML:
Injuries were the biggest issue - Lebron, AD and Russ have played 21 games together - that does not include 2 games where AD got hurt, 1 game where Lebron got hurt, and 1 game where he received a flagrant 2. So, really truly - they played 17 full games together. That's not Russ's fault.
Still - Westbrook will be traded for sure. He is an expiring contract - which is far easier to trade this summer than it was at the deadline. Biggest issue is - only a few teams have cap space so Lakers will have to take on a bad contract. It's 47M - but Lakers will be able to attach THT + draft compensation (swaps in 2026 + 2028 and 1st round picks in 2027 and 2029 available) it they need to land better players in a Westbrook trade.
My last post on Westbrook - it was a disappointing season to say the least. He didn't play his hardest like he had in the past - didn't carry the team when Lebron or AD were out (which was the primary reason why he was brought in) - didn't take the leadership role on the court like he had in the past. I don't care about his outbursts with the media or being defensive in the media bc that's always been him. He wears his emotions on his sleeve and speaks from that emotion. What upset me was he didn't play with emotion on the court.
Also know that coaching staff and FO didn't optimize the team around him. But, great players figure out a way and he had a horrendous season. AD gotta be healthy next season and Lakers gotta get the right players around AD and Bron.
My biggest issue with RW this year has been his decision making. It was always bad but it's somehow gotten worse. He throws himself into positions where he can't get a good shot off or has no passing lane. This leads to a brick or a TO. He takes bad shots, bad jumpers (he should literally never take a jumper), plays hero ball defense, etc.