It’s only a two-game sample, but the Lakers’ shortcomings are already in full view, according to Kyle Goon of the Orange County Register. Their lack of perimeter shooting and depth at the wing has been noticeable in those losses. The Lakers have made just 13-of-58 3-point attempts (22.4%) in which the nearest defender is at least four feet away. The lack of wing depth was on display when they tried to guard Kawhi Leonard with a combination of Russell Westbrook and Juan Toscano-Anderson.
We have more from the Pacific Division:
- The Lakers need to move on from Westbrook immediately, Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times opines, arguing that they would have defeated the Clippers if he hadn’t played or been on the roster. His poor shooting, reckless play and divisive personality will continue to prove costly on a team that otherwise looks feistier than last year’s, Plaschke adds.
- De’Aaron Fox signed a five-year extension in November 2020 and he hopes to continue his relationship with the Kings for many seasons, as he told Sam Amick of The Athletic. “I’ve never been the type of person that wants a big market,” Fox said. “(So) if I can go to a small market, and then win, those are the types of things that I feel like are more important to me. It’s being able to bring winning back to the city. That is definitely my goal.”
- Commissioner Adam Silver met with Suns employees before their game against Dallas on Wednesday and expressed regret for the misconduct of owner Robert Sarver, according to Baxter Holmes of ESPN. Sarver is now in the process of selling the team. “I’m incredibly empathetic to what many of you have lived through,” Silver said to those employees, who gathered in the lower bowl of the team’s arena hours. “To the extent that you feel let down by the league, I apologize. I take responsibility for that.”
Laker’s coach just needs to put him in 2nd unit and leave him there. If Westbrook complains just have him sit on the bench as a 15th player for a blow out.
Lakers main problem is bench
What If Lakers have world class bench, …..
Westbrook
Low on efficiency
High on turnover
High on bricks
Easily out of control
Inconsistent defense
Brick was perfect from the floor.
The endless fascination with Westbrook makes no sense to me.
I am also at this point. Lakers have so many more issues than Westbrook.
The media is fascinated with being lazy. The fascination from Lakers fans is the gold plated trophy. You can see on LeBron’s face during the game, he doesn’t have the championship look to him. He was very blunt after the game about teams giving them open looks for a reason. I saw that as a direct shot at the front office in hopes of expediting the trade process.
Scapegoating Russ because this team is old, injury prone and poorly constructed. He deserves better. Wasn’t his fault Lebron & AD essentially took half of last season off.
Lakers fans and ticket holders need to boycott intil Jeannie Buss, Rob Penlinka & the organization Tim Harris, Joe McCormick, Buss Family, Edward Roski make some decisions soon than later.
Yeah, sure. A boycott.
That makes sense.
If Iam the Lakers GM I’ve send Westbrick & 1st round draft pick to San Antonio for McDermott & Josh Richardson than the next move send the other 1st round draft pick to Indiana for Myles Turner also sign release a player and sign Moe Harkless for wing defense.
Spurs would never do that trade it also comes up $22 million short. Only 1 draft pick and take on a extra $25 million in payroll? Anyone taking on Westbrooks $47 million dollar contract is going to want 2 draft picks and getting rid of dead weight.
This is a whole new level to say they would’ve won a game as long as he wasn’t on the team. Come on man.
What does it look like if they release him or use the stretch provision?
Wouldn’t have any impact on the cap unless he agrees to a buyout. The deadline for using the stretch provision on a 2022/23 cap hit was August 31.