In a joint phone call, LeBron James, Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis appeared to commit to trying everything for the success of the Los Angeles Lakers’ Big Three. However, Westbrook’s future remains uncertain.
This is reported by Chris Haynes (Yahoo Sports:) Accordingly, the conversation between the three Lakers stars is said to have taken place during the first weekend of summer league. The trio are said to have pledged to work together to ensure the partnership works better than last year.
According to the report, the purpose of the call was to get the three superstars on the same wavelength as they pursue titles together. However, Haynes also emphasizes that uncertainty remains regarding Westbrook’s future.
After a disappointing 2021/22 season in which Los Angeles missed the postseason entirely, there was much trade talk about Westbrook, who only signed a contract with the Lakers through the summer of 2021. Westbrook himself never requested a trade, Haynes said.
The 33-year-old will make $47.1 million next season after exercising his player option. However, he hasn’t been able to continue his old MVP times lately. Last season, he averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists on 44 percent shooting from the field and 29.8 percent from three. The lack of shooting made it difficult for Westbrook, James and Davis to interact. LA also struggled with injury issues.
After his appointment, new head coach Darwin Hamm has repeatedly emphasized that he wants to better integrate Westbrook into the team. Hamm never missed an opportunity to put the nine-time All-Star in a strong position.
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According to consistent media reports, however, the Lakers are interested in trading Kyrie Irving, which would require Westbrook to leave the team. However, it is reported that there has been no progress in the negotiations between the Lakers and the Nets recently. In such a deal, a third team like the San Antonio Spurs could take Westbrook to swallow his huge contract in exchange for a draft pick.
Mark Stein (substack) also plays the New York Knicks as a potential trade partner for the Lakers. If the traditional Big Apple franchise can land Donovan Mitchell in New York, Julius Randle could opt out of his long-term contract (4 years, $117.1 million). The Lakers are believed to be interested in getting rid of Westbrook at that time. Then the point guard will likely be bought out of his contract.