Former NBA champion gives his 2 cents on Russell Westbrook-LA Lakers situation
Former NBA player Nick Young offered some support to LA Lakers superstar Russell Westbrook. While highlighting the poor state of the Lakers' current roster, Young also mentioned that Westbrook would have been able to bring home a title had the team been different.
Nick Young spent some of his most productive years in the NBA with the LA Lakers. As a favorite among fans, Young has developed a fairly reliable understanding of the sentiment among the Purple and Gold loyal and faithful.
In this regard, Young took note of the current situation surrounding the LA Lakers and nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook.
Westbrook has bore the brunt of criticism from Lakers fans for his poor performances as of late. Considering that the superstar hasn't lived up to expectations in the slightest, fans of the Purple and Gold have been particularly harsh toward the star.
Nick Young recently stepped in to alleviate the situation. In an attempt to defend Westbrook on social media, Young tweeted:
"Put Russ on the 2019-2020 and 20-21 yrs the lakers win back to back if Ad dnt get hurt .. you can’t blame Russ when your starting lineup is Pat blv,walker , Russ, bron and Ad.. if im the other team im letting everybody shoot im leaving the whole team open …"
Put Russ on the 2019-2020 and 20-21 yrs the lakers win back to back if Ad dnt get hurt .. you can’t blame Russ when your starting lineup is Pat blv,walker , Russ, bron and Ad.. if im the other team im letting everybody shoot im leaving the whole team open …
While Young did well to highlight Westbrook's ability to lead the team to a win in the past, he managed to take a very direct shot at some of the players on the roster.
Young's attempt to defend Russell Westbrook came at the cost of criticizing the team as he called out players, such as Patrick Beverley and Lonnie Walker IV, alongside the superstar trio. Considering that this has been a sentiment that has been expressed by LA Clippers superstar Paul George as well, Young may have a point.
As the situation stands, the Lakers find themselves in a rather problematic situation once again. With fans calling for a trade, the Purple and Gold will be pressed to enter trade negotiations once more.
The LA Lakers rekindle efforts to trade Russell Westbrook
Following a disappointing loss against the Portland Trail Blazers, rumors regarding potential trades surrounding Russell Westbrook surfaced again. Trade talks around Westbrook have been a primary storyline for the LA Lakers. However, no rumor had materialized into a trade.
The major parties in any trade rumors pertaining to Westbrook have been the Indiana Pacers and the Utah Jazz. Although the Jazz were a team the Lakers had engaged with, the two parties failed to come to an agreement upon the subsequent packages.
Meanwhile, the Pacers presented Buddy Hield and Myles Turner in exchange for Russell Westbrook and draft capital. While this hasn't been to the liking of the Purple and Gold, the Lakers may entertain these talks in light of recent events.
It is also important to note that, while the Lakers technically missed the bus with the Utah Jazz, the two are open to engaging in trade negotiations at a later stage in the season.
Meanwhile, the Lakers have also turned their attention toward the Charlotte Hornets. With a keen interest in combo guard Terry Rozier, the Purple and Gold may opt to engage with the Hornets in trade talks as well.