It’s no secret that the Russell Westbrook era hasn’t gone well for the Lakers.
Westbrook has been at the center of trade talks for months now, although nothing has actually materialized. Los Angeles added guards Patrick Beverley and Dennis Schröder this offseason, which created a crowded backcourt and even less room for Westbrook.
According to Shams Charania, the situation was nearly resolved last week when the front office considered finalizing the long-rumored deal for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield with the Pacers.
Ultimately, however, the brain trust for the organization decided to punt on the move yet again (via The Athletic):
“Vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka, owner Jeanie Buss and senior basketball adviser Kurt Rambis seriously considered sending Westbrook and unprotected first-round picks in 2027 and 2029 to the Pacers for center Myles Turner and guard Buddy Hield, sources said. They held a series of meetings in the days leading up to camp to analyze the possible Pacers deal from every angle, with the views of Ham and Lakers executives Joey and Jesse Buss also being strongly considered in the process. The organization even delayed the midweek news conference for Pelinka and Ham as the debate continued.”
Charania reported that the Lakers opted not to do the deal because they wanted to reach a “consensus” and everyone had to have “confidence in the same vision” before agreeing to make the trade.
The decision-makers in question here include Rob Pelinka, Kurt Rambis, Jeanie Buss, Joey Buss, and Jesse Buss. According to Charania, Joey and Jesse have more influence within the organization now than ever before.
Pelinka indicated during a recent press conference that he is willing to trade future first-round draft picks, but the transaction ultimately has to be the right deal.
Until they eventually decide to make the move, however, Westbrook will have a chance to reinvent his game under new Lakers coach Darvin Ham.
