“The Lakers out of their damn mind if they do these deals" - NBA analyst believes Lakers should keep Russell Westbrook instead of getting players who don’t make an impact, but says Westbrook to Pacers is possible
Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz recently released a list of teams that could help the LA Lakers facilitate a Russell Westbrook deal. Shannon Sharpe believes most of the suggestions are absurd, but did throw his weight behind a potential trade to the Indiana Pacers.
The Lakers have tried to move Westbrook since the start of the offseason but have not had any luck. No team is willing to absorb his $47 million contract, especially considering last season's performances.
Although the Brooklyn Nets declined a Kyrie Irving-Westbrook sign-and-trade, they were open to a different kind of deal. Talks have stalled as the Lakers are unwilling to give away multiple first-round picks.
REPORT: LeBron James still “badly” wants Kyrie Irving to take Russell Westbrook’s place on the Lakers.
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On "Skip and Shannon: Undisputed," Sharpe was asked about the trades mentioned by Swartz. Sharpe said none of the trade scenarios mentioned in the article were good for the Lakers except for the one involving the Pacers.
"You got a choice. You got your horse manure, cow manure, pig manure, elephant manure, or hippo manure. C'mon man, what is this? You want me to take Julius Randle four years and a $117 million? No, thank you."
After listing several players that could have been involved in a hypothetical trade, he continued.
"I don't want anything. I'll stay with Russ. I think the option that's going to be, probably, more than likely get done, is probably Russ, the first-round pick, and THT going to Indie for Myles Turner, Booker, T.J. Mcconnell, and they throw Austin Reaves in there.
"I believe that's a scenario that's most likely to happen. But these other deals, I want no parts of those. The Lakers out of their damn mind if they do these deals. Any of them."
Darvin Ham is excited to work with Russell Westbrook
New Lakers coach Darvin Ham appears to be excited to work with Westbrook. In his first presser as Lakers coach, he called Westbrook one of the best players in league history.
"Don't get it messed up. Russ is one of the best players our league has ever seen. There's still a ton left in that tank. I don't know why people tend to try to write him off."
"Russ is one of the best players our league has ever seen. There's still a ton left in that tank."
Lakers new Head Coach Darvin Ham on Westbrook. https://t.co/gYCmWMaeZF
Ham has promised changes on both ends of the floor, stressing that everyone must make sacrifices to ensure the team's success.
One of Westbrook's most significant flaws is his defense. However, Ham is committed to helping him improve in that aspect.
Recent reports have revealed that Ham has been given "more power" to bench Russell Westbrook. Last season, Frank Vogel benched Westbrook a few times down the stretch, but Mr. Triple Double was less than pleased.
Lakers head coach Darvin Ham will have more power to bench Russell Westbrook down the stretch of games, sources tell @jovanbuha.
Former head coach Frank Vogel did so a few times last season.
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