While the relationship between Frank Vogel and Russell Westbrook is getting complicated, the whole franchise wanted the leader to leave before the deadline. Discussions have taken place to get him to leave, in the hope of keeping it all discreet. The mission was not a success.
In total disrepair since the start of the season, Russell Westbrook knows that this first campaign at the Lakers is a total failure, for the moment at least. The leader must do better, like his team, which has a poor record of 26-30 at the moment.
Confidence is not present among the Angelinos, who still hope to reverse the trend during this second part of the season. If the deadline was a bitter failure, it is still possible to strengthen the roster by signing free agents. This is where the leaders want to hit, especially at the point guard.
The failure of the Russell Westbrook file before the deadline
Dennis Schroder is mentioned, which is not trivial among the Angelinos. This is proof that a leader is wanted, which means that Westbrook does not give satisfaction, not to Frank Vogel, who no longer hesitates to put him on the bench at the end of the match. All this might have ended before the deadline according to Sam Amick, but the Purple and Gold failed.
I wrote in January that the Lakers have shown discretion regarding potential deals involving Russell Westbrook. I used the word “discretion” because the idea was that Westbrook wouldn’t find out. A person told me that a deal with the Kings and Buddy Hield was discussed. Yes, the same player the Lakers coveted last summer, but ultimately decided to head to Westbrook and work with the Wizards, rather than the Kings.
We remember that last summer, Buddy Hield went close to the Lakers, but the front office preferred Westbrook. Still, the full-back might have done a lot of good with his shot: an eternal regret for the fans, especially as Russ might be traded soon.
Except surprise, we can therefore expect movement in the coming weeks, because Pelinka cannot sit idly by. A signature is almost acquired according to certain echoeseven if the Angelinos do not really dream.
Russell Westbrook traded? Yes, the front office has probed the ground, without much success. Too bad for the Angelinos, who will have to manage a second half of the season which promises to be explosive…