"If Russell Westbrook don't be careful, he will find himself out of the league come next year" - Kendrick Perkins makes a bold claim examining Russell Westbrook creating a toxic environment with Lakers
Russell Westbrook has struggled mightily to begin the 2022-23 season. The LA Lakers point guard continues to find it difficult to fit alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Former NBA champion and analyst Kendrick Perkins recently criticized Russ' decision making and even mentioned that he could be out of the league by next year.
On ESPN's "First Take," he said:
"We watched the game, we watched Russ' body language. Russ knew that was a horrible shot at that time of the game. He knew that that ball should've been in LeBron James' hands or Anthony Davis' hands running some type of action getting them involved and him not pulling up in transition when they up two at this point of the game. He knows better.
"Russ' behavior is becoming cancerous to the team. When Russell Westbrook was on the bench, he was moping, he was complaining, he was chirping, he was saying little things under his breath. Send him home until you find a place to trade him because his attitude is going to weigh on everybody.
"It's no reason to try to make the relationship work, that's gone. Russell Westbrook is not changing. He thinks he's an alpha male, and he has to be that somewhere else. Right now, it's no GM's in the league that's willing to take a chance on Russ and bring him to their locker room. If he don't be careful, he will find himself out of the league come next year."
Russell Westbrook’s first 3 games of the season:
10.3 PPG
6.7 RPG
4.3 APG
28.9% FG
8.3% 3PT https://t.co/ySUYaWb8eG
Perkins has long been a strong supporter of Westbrook's as the two are former teammates. His comments, however, reflect on how poor the former MVP has been so far this season.
Watch Kendrick Perkins' full comments on Russell Westbrook below:
.@KendrickPerkins on Russ' performance:
"If [Russell Westbrook] don't be careful, he will find himself out of the league come next year." https://t.co/gv4gO98eQP
Can the LA Lakers trade Russell Westbrook?
After an underwhelming last season for both Westbrook and the Lakers, the organization considered trading Russ. However, because of his poor performances and his $47 million contract, teams want the Lakers to include two future first-round picks in any deal involving Westbrook.
The Lakers 'seriously considered' sending Russell Westbrook and their two unprotected first-round picks (2027 and 2029) to the Pacers for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield, per @ShamsCharania, @jovanbuha and @sam_amick
Rob Pelinka chose to "remain patient" to see how L.A. jells https://t.co/fa5KFg4X6m
The Lakers' decision to 'remain patient' has backfired in the early going, as Westbrook's performances have directly influenced two losses. In the Lakers' home opener against the Clippers, Westbrook shot 0-11 from the field and 0-6 from 3-point range in a game that they lost by six points.
In the following game against Portland, Westbrook shot 4-15 from the field and 0-3 from deep. His late-game decision to shoot the ball instead of running the clock down proved costly for his team.
Russell Westbrook has made 3 of 17 jump shots this season.
Also, he is the only player that has attempted a jump shot with under 30 seconds to go and 15+ seconds left on the shot clock with their team up by 1 possession in the last 4 seasons. https://t.co/DrH8UEs2L9
LeBron James and Anthony Davis were visibly agitated with Russ' decision.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis disgusted after Russell Westbrook bricks a jumper with a 102-101 lead. 17 seconds were left on the shot clock and 30 seconds left in the game. https://t.co/GAa7zWAuRl
The Lakers could look to revisit trade talks with the Indiana Pacers. Rumored targets Myles Turner and Buddy Hield could fit well with the current roster. Both players can help space the floor and Turner can allow Davis to play at the four.
AD and Turner could be one of the best rim protecting duos in the NBA.