“If he joins the Lakers, he’s penciled in as the starter from day 1” - Chris Broussard believes 5x All-Star should’ve joined LA Lakers
The LA Lakers are sure to be a busy team this offseason, but they missed out on one of the more intriguing names on the market. After agreeing on a buyout with the Houston Rockets, former All-Star John Wall is expected to sign a deal with the Lakers' city rivals, the LA Clippers.
John Wall will secure buyout with the Rockets to officially become a free agent 🚨
(per @ChrisBHaynes, via @Cbrickley603)
https://t.co/WBvAeJHiUX
Many have applauded this move from Wall, but one analyst thinks he made the wrong decision. During a recent appearance on FOX Sports radio, NBA insider Chris Broussard said he felt Wall should have joined the other team in LA.
He feels Wall could have had a bigger impact with LeBron James and Anthony Davis as opposed to the Clippers.
"I like John Wall there, but I honestly think he would have had a better chance to make an individual splash with the Lakers. If he joins the Lakers, he's the starter. He's penciled in as the starter from day one."
Wall did not play at all this past season as the Rockets focused on developing some of their younger players. In the 40 games he appeared in during the 2020-21 campaign, he averaged 20.6 points and 6.9 assists per game.
Is John Wall right to join Clippers over Lakers?
It is hard to justify Broussard's reasoning. There are multiple reasons why the Clippers are a far better team for Wall to make his return to action.
Lakers fans down bad today 😭😭
- Kyrie staying with the Nets
- John Wall going to the Clippers
https://t.co/SWJE1z5Ewa
For starters, Wall is not the kind of player LA should be looking to add. Similar to Russell Westbrook, he is almost a non-factor from beyond the arc. Adding another non-shooter would only create more problems.
Given the questionable fit, it's not guaranteed Wall will be a starter for the purple and gold on day one. He and Westbrook cannot be on the floor together, and it's doubtful the former MVP will come off the bench for someone who hasn't played in over a year.
The final reason why the Lakers were the worse option is because of the state of the franchise. Fresh off of missing the playoffs, LeBron James and company are not an enticing landing spot for free agents at the moment. Especially when compared to the other team in LA.
While the Clippers were bounced in the play-in tournament, that's unlikely to be their fate this coming season. With Kawhi Leonard fully healthy, he and Paul George will be ready to make some noise in the Western Conference. Adding a former All-Star in Wall gives them more depth to make a serious run at the title.
The Lakers might have the allure of being the league's most prestigious franchise, but the Clippers were without a doubt the best option for Wall.