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Russell Westbrook’s place on the 2022-2023 Los Angeles Lakers is without doubt one of the greatest storylines within the NBA heading into the brand new season. Westbrook’s first yr in LA was an abject catastrophe for everybody concerned, however he’s nonetheless on the roster getting into the ultimate yr of his contract. It certain feels just like the Lakers must commerce Westbrook to maximise their title window with LeBron James — who turns 38 years outdated in Dec. — however up to now LA has been hesitant to incorporate the long run draft compensation essential to get an improve in return.
The Lakers’ addition of Patrick Beverley has solely made the Westbrook difficulty even thornier. Westbrook and Beverley have had some very public beef going again for years, and although each events mentioned all the fitting issues this offseason, it’s cheap to surprise how the 2 very sturdy personalities will mesh.
There was an early instance of some potential Lakers discord in Wednesday evening’s penultimate preseason recreation. After a foul by Westbrook, Beverley referred to as for a group huddle, and Russ roughly refused to hitch.
Westbrook was in all probability simply upset on the foul name, and wanted a second to breathe earlier than chatting with teammates. The one drawback is that this video went viral and used been used as extra proof that Westbrook goes to be troublesome to maintain blissful this season in LA.
It’s probably value noting that Westbrook additionally wasn’t within the group’s pre-game huddle:
Westbrook and Jaden McDaniels acquired right into a petty little recreation of catch throughout the identical recreation.
Westbrook, by the way in which, completed the preseason recreation with 5 factors in 25 minutes on solely 1-of-3 taking pictures.
The Lakers want Westbrook to set extra screens, shoot extra nook threes, and emphasize the defensive finish of the ground. Westbrook has shied away from all of that, preferring to create with the ball in his arms like he did throughout his glory years. Westbrook remains to be a quick and highly effective driver going to the rim, however this Lakers group merely wants extra off-ball parts round James and Davis.
The Lakers would in all probability love to maneuver Westbrook in-season, possibly even for the Buddy Hield and Myles Turner package deal from the Indiana Pacers. For now, although, Russ stays in LA. Anticipate there to be loads of bizarre little moments like this one alongside the way in which.
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