The Los Angeles Lakers made astonishing moves on the last day of the trade deadline. The players that arrived in LA have brought a fresh and young perspective to the team, decreasing the average age of the squad. Apart from being young, they could be the ones the Lakers will need to turn their bad season around. It has been nothing but disappointment after disappointment since the season has begun. Since the front office has filled the squad with the necessary players, it is up to Ham to play them accordingly.
In order to bring on new players like D’Angelo Russell and Mo Bamba, the Lakers had to get rid of their old ones. And the old ones included some big names like Patrick Beverley and Russell Westbrook. The point guard began the flop season with the team but had little to no impact on the court. However, Russell’s new role helped him become the fan-favorite sixth man of the year. But even after his incredible off-the-bench performance, LA suffered a drop to the bottom of the table. And the 34-year-old also had an on-off relationship with the fans because of his first-season flop with the team.
The Lakers Lose Westbrook To The Clippers
According to Adrian Wojnarowski’s recent report, Russell Westbrook has made up his mind about where he will play. Although the deal made on the trade deadline makes him a Jazz property, he has figured out some other way. This could upset some of the Lakers fans as the point guard decides to move to their city rivals Los Angeles Clippers. It is not an impulsive decision from Russell’s side, as he took some time before announcing it on Friday. It looks like the Jazz owner failed to entertain the ten-time All-star who opted for a buyout option.
According to the reports in the market, the Jazz owner and the head coach want to prioritize playing their younger players. The Utah Jazz is a team who are into rebuilding this season and cannot promise much game time for the veteran. The Los Angeles Clippers, on the other side, are happy to buy him out for his massive $47 million value. Although there are no confirmed details on his role in the team, his deal and move to the Clippers is a confirmation. And it looks like the perfect revenge for the Ex-Lakers point guard who did everything for his team.
There were many discussions with the Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards, and Miami Heat before Westbrook’s final call. But the 2016 MVP chose the Lakers’ arch-rival clippers. And he even has the best chance to win the ring with most favorite title contenders in the league.