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The Lakers’ decision to bring in Russell Westbrook fulfilled the front office’s long-standing goal of bringing in a third star for Anthony Davis and LeBron James. A journey that began with their pursuit of Kawhi Leonard after trading for Davis, the Lakers have long searched for the final piece of a Big Three.
However, that decision only came after a dramatic last-minute change on draft night. After all signs were for the Lakers to complete a trade for Buddy Hield of the Kings, the team turned to acquiring Westbrook, a move that would have blinded players involved in the old deal.
Along with their desire to acquire a third star, the desire to please one of the stars they had also reportedly played a role. During his appearance on “The Lowe Post” podcast with Zach Lowe on Monday, ESPN’s Dave McMenamin revealed that James preferred the Westbrook deal to the Hield deal.
“My report (is) that certainly LeBron James was in favor of this Russ move over the Buddy Hield move. Is that because he acknowledges that the Lakers may not have had enough play and that’s sort of a point he’s been emphasizing since the 16-17 season … The question is, however, is – what he wanted Russ because he recognizes he’s about to be a 19-year-old NBA veteran who turns 37 in December and needs someone to ease him up. Maybe the best thing is that he has someone he can trust and who will hand over some of the load to him as well. But at the same time, are the Lakers a championship team if LeBron isn’t more-more LeBron.
James’ desire to have a side playmaker by his side was one of the driving forces behind having Rajon Rondo on the Lakers during his first two years in Los Angeles. And, in his defense, the Lakers won a title with Rondo playing a major role. From this point of view, James preferring Westbrook to Hield has merits.
In an all-star league, Westbrook is one. His flaws are as strong as his strengths, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that he’s an extremely talented player. For a Lakers team that has strived to be bigger, faster and stronger than their opponents, Westbrook represents all three of these things as a point guard.
While Hield reportedly improved the Lakers’ shoot, Westbrook fits in with the vision of front office and general manager Rob Pelinka and with James. It’s a bet that will be played out on the pitch for at least the coming season and potentially the next two as the Lakers look to maximize their championship window while it’s still open.
For more Lakers talk, subscribe to the Silver Screen and Roll podcast feed on itunes, Spotify, Stapler or Google podcasts. You can follow Jacob on Twitter at @JacobRude.
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