"If that trade did happen, I think he’s out of the league" - Bill Simmons claims 9x All-Star's career could end if he's traded by LA Lakers to Pacers and then bought out
The LA Lakers are reportedly exploring the possibility of trading Russell Westbrook and draft capital for Indiana Pacers duo Myles Turner and Buddy Hield.
Most basketball analysts believe that Westbrook’s stint in Hollywood is over after the arrival of Patrick Beverley from the Utah Jazz. While the Lakers could have a brighter future should the trade happen, the former MVP and nine-time All-Star’s playing career could be in jeopardy.
Bill Simmons, on his podcast, said a trade could end Westbrook’s career.
“If that trade did happen, I think he’s out of the league. He’s the rare kind of guy where if you’re a tanking team or a lottery team, why would you bring him in? All he’s gonna do is try to play 40 minutes a game and put up stats and try to make you more competitive.
“If you’re a playoff team … He’s not gonna want to come off the bench, he doesn’t play defense, he’s not really a good shooter.”
Simmons added that even lower-seeded playoff teams would not touch the LA Lakers point guard.
“The best possible scenario for him are these 7,8,9 seeds where he plays 40 minutes a game. None of these teams want him. If that Indiana trade happens and he’s bought out, that might be it for him.”
For the Indiana Pacers to agree to a Westbrook trade, a buyout agreement would probably have to be in place. They likely wouldn’t want to pay his massive $47 million salary since they’re rebuilding.
There is also a general feeling that the Pacers will tank for next year’s draft, where they could land French phenom Victor Wembanyama.
"Russ is in full-blown denial. In 2008, Allen Iverson averaged 26 PPG, all 82, 41 min & an All-Star. In 2010, AI was playing in Turkey. ... If Russell Westbrook continues to be in denial about his impact on winning in 2022, he's going to be on that same path." — @getnickwright https://t.co/zyYcs50MwR
The LA Lakers could give Russell Westbrook every opportunity to play if not traded
If Westbrook's not traded, the Lakers could give him the starting point guard role. Marc Stein recently reported that new head coach Darvin Ham is still determined to see what the former MVP can bring to the table despite Beverley’s arrival.
Ham supposedly “remains determined to carve out a real role” for the embattled point guard. The LA Lakers’ new shot caller, in a few interviews, has implored “Russ” to play championship-level defense. It’ll be his biggest path to earning minutes alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Report: Darvin Ham determined to carve out ‘real role’ for Russell Westbrook if no trade materializes lakersdaily.com/report-darvin-…
If Westbrook, however, refuses to play his role, Darvin Ham will likely bench the former OKC Thunder star and explore other options.