It is a strange unraveling of the 2022-23 NBA season for the Los Angeles Lakers. At the start of the season, they struggled to find their first win after losing consecutive games. And to add weight to the matter, LA had the worst start in 65 years of the rich organization’s history. Even after a shaky start, the roller coaster ride had no stopping as they continued to lose more than win. A few good patches here and there in their journey are keeping their hopes of playoffs alive.
There are various reasons for the Lakers’ condition, and one of the major ones could be roster management. But the front office has ignored that aspect for so long that the season is already halfway to the end. Meanwhile, the trade line is closer than ever, and heavy shifts in the market can happen anytime now. And the Lakers have tried hard to stay on the surface without their star player Anthony Davis. Even after all the efforts and hard work, Hollywood sits in the 13th position in the Western Conference. The Lakers can not fight for the playoff spot unless they place themselves in the top 10.
Russell Westbrook Trade Is A Sensitive Issue For The Lakers
The 34-year-old point guard has been the point of trading conversation since the season began. But his trajectory of success has been such that he went from zero to hero real quick this season. And his new role combined with the nine-time All-star electric energy is threatening on the court. Russell Westbrook became the sixth man of the year contender for the Lakers fans because of his much-needed performance. After his last year’s failure, everyone wanted him out. But even after all the hate, he has made a stable place in Los Angeles. Even LeBron James is fond of the reserved point guard’s contributions on the court.
The Lakers squad is impressive this year, but they are nowhere close to being called the champions. Players like Patrick Beverley, Troy Brown, Wenyen Gabriel, and Kendrick Nunn could easily be replaced. However, Hollywood is not prepared to make such big changes because they lack belief in this squad. And sources suggest LA will not trade Russ because King James wants him close to the team. Apart from his relations with the big man, he is also much more valuable in the team than in the market. The front office will have to seriously ponder the trade situation as the market closes in three weeks.
Meanwhile, the Lakers are creeping their way back to the track after throwing their game against the table toppers. However, the win against the Memphis Grizzlies would boost the team’s confidence. Following the win against the Grizzlies, LA won their game against the Trail Blazers with another LeBron spectacular. The Lakers won it 112-121 to sit in the 12th position in the league table.
