Los Angeles Lakers

When the Los Angeles Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook last August, they had championship aspirations. How could they not? They were adding a former NBA MVP at point guard to join a core that already featured LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers seemed set up for success. And then, they didn't even make the playoffs, going 33-49 and finishing in 11th in the Western Conference.

That leaves Los Angeles with decisions to make. The franchise recently hired Darvin Ham to be its new head coach, and there are sure to be roster moves to follow throughout the summer.

Given the current state of their roster, the Lakers need to add players. But that's not to say they won't be open to moving ones who are already under contract. That brings us back to Westbrook.

According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the 33-year-old is expected to opt into the final year of his contract, which is a player option worth about $47 million. It shouldn't come as a surprise, considering that would be a lot of money to turn down to become a free agent.

Once that happens, trade rumors involving Westbrook may continue. He wasn't at his best during the 2021-22 season, when he averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 78 games. It was the first time he failed to average more than 20 points per game since 2009-10, his second NBA season.

Despite that, it doesn't seem Los Angeles is outwardly seeking a split, according to a recent report from NBA reporter Marc Stein.

"The Lakers continue to signal—at least for now with three months to go until training camp opens—that they do not want to force a Russell Westbrook trade that costs them additional assets," he wrote.

So, there appears to be a fairly strong chance the nine-time All-Star will be back for a second season for the Purple and Gold. Would that be the right move?

There are four months until the start of the 2022-23 season, so it's a bit early for predictions. But don't be surprised if Westbrook performs better than he did during his first year in L.A.

Westbrook should be motivated after his down season, and he had still been playing at a high level in years prior. Wojnarowski also reported that the player has "really expressed tremendous enthusiasm" for the hire of Ham, who will be an NBA head coach for the first time.

Count on the second season of the Westbrook/James/Davis trio to go better than the first. And by April, it will be clear the Lakers made the right decision in giving the veteran another opportunity.

Hall of Fame forward Kevin Garnett said Rasheed Wallace is a "great" addition to the Los Angeles Lakers' staff under new head coach Darvin Ham.

Garnett described Wallace as "a genius and a mastermind" who will help Anthony Davis and LeBron James while discussing the hire Saturday (NSFW):

It was clear throughout the 2021-22 season, which saw the Lakers miss the playoffs with a 33-49 record, that the franchise could use an infusion of energy. Things have trended consistently in the wrong direction since they captured the 2020 NBA title.

Wallace should provide that. He was a fiery competitor throughout a 16-year NBA career that included four All-Star selections and a championship with the Detroit Pistons in 2004.

Since his 2013 retirement, he's gained coaching experience at every level of basketball, with stops at Charles E. Jordan High School in North Carolina, the University of Memphis and the Pistons.

In 2020, Wallace said on the Million Dollaz Worth of Game podcast (via Gilbert McGregor of Sporting News) that he wasn't sure LeBron would have been as dominant in previous generations.

"I don't think he would be as successful as he is now," Wallace said. "It's a whole different era back then. I couldn't necessarily say that he would've been a beast, but I think he would've held his own."

Those comments began to recirculate after he was hired by the Lakers, but they're unlikely to have a tangible impact on his relationship with the NBA's longtime gold standard.

Instead, Garnett, who embarked on numerous head-to-head battles with Wallace during their overlapping careers, thinks the 47-year-old Philadelphia native is "full of knowledge" that can help the Lakers.

L.A.'s roster still needs some work around the trio of James, Davis and Russell Westbrook, but so far the new coaching staff is generating mostly positive reviews.

Will health and a coaching change be enough for the Los Angeles Lakers to rebound from a disastrous season? We may find out soon enough as sources close to the team, along with several competing executives, believe the Lakers are operating as if Russell Westbrook will be on the roster to start next season.

If the Lakers intend to trade Westbrook, assuming he opts into his final year at $47.1 million, it's the front office that will need to sacrifice. Several executives believe the Lakers would need to take on expensive players ($15-25 million range) with two to four years left on their contract—not specifically, but players with contracts like Davis Bertans, Duncan Robinson, Julius Randle, Malcolm Brogdon, etc.—or send out one or two first-round picks, especially for quality rotation players in return.

New head coach Darvin Ham recently praised Westbrook while also demanding the veteran point guard, along with the rest of the roster, be ready to sacrifice for the greater good next season. But what about LeBron James?

The Lakers were paralyzed at the trade deadline without clarity from James, and they remain so. The star forward is eligible for an extension on August 4, but most of the team's moves will need to happen in June and July.

The Lakers are stuck without a commitment from James, whose contract expires after the 2022-23 season. Competing executives and agents do not expect the team to get clarity from James ahead of the draft and free agency.

James could help make decisions easier if he verbally commits to an additional two seasons, timing his contract with Anthony Davis through 2024-25 (although Davis has an early termination option to leave one year sooner). Unpleasant salary is easier to digest in trade if the Lakers are reinvested in James with Davis. The last thing the team would want to do is eat up its 2023-24 cap space on players it doesn't value with James leaving as an unrestricted free agent.

The fear is similar in trading draft picks. If James were guaranteed to stick around another couple of seasons, L.A. might consider bigger moves like trading picks to get out of Westbrook for viable talent.

The Lakers will only have a $6.4 million taxpayer mid-level exception and minimum contracts to spend to add talent if they retain Westbrook. That may not be enough to bring back Malik Monk with several other teams armed with at least the $10.3 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception (NTMLE). Some alternate targets could be Otto Porter Jr., Joe Ingles, Gary Payton II, Bruce Brown Jr., Damian Jones, Isaiah Hartenstein, Thomas Bryant, Taurean Prince, Gorgui Dieng, Lonnie Walker IV, Gary Harris, Austin Rivers or Aaron Holiday (among many others).

Do any of those names catapult the Lakers back to contention? James can empower the franchise to make bolder moves with a commitment. Without it, the franchise may be overwhelmed by the inertia of uncertainty.

Lottery Picks Available

The 2022 NBA draft should bring solid talent into the league, but not nearly as much as the 2021 class. At least that's the buzz around the league, which described a gap after the first two or three prospects. Most expect the Orlando Magic to take Jabari Smith Jr. from Auburn and the Oklahoma City Thunder to select Gonzaga's Chet Holmgren second.

Some executives argue that Duke's Paolo Banchero is the clear third, destined for the Houston Rockets. Others suggest Jaden Ivey or Keegan Murray belong in the top three, with Banchero dropping. But the general vibe is that several lottery picks could be available in trade, starting with the Sacramento Kings at No. 4.

Teams looking to make the playoffs may want to upgrade their rosters with veteran players instead of prospects. Or they might try to trade up for more of a sure thing (if there is such a thing in the draft) like Ivey or Murray. That may include teams like the Portland Trail Blazers (No. 7), New Orleans Pelicans (No. 8), Washington Wizards (No. 10), New York Knicks (No. 11), Charlotte Hornets (No. 13) and Cleveland Cavaliers (No. 14). Even the Thunder, who have three first-round picks, may be open to moving No. 12.

More than half of the 14 lottery picks may be attainable, and interested teams are trying to determine where they can strike. Who will move up, down or out may not be apparent until draft day.

Some veteran trade targets might include Jerami Grant, Deandre Ayton (sign-and-trade), Rudy Gobert, Jalen Brunson (sign-and-trade) and Myles Turner. Since teams cannot agree to a sign-and-trade in June, a few may draft on faith that their trade target will be available in July, especially if faith equates to an illegal prearranged deal.

Bigs on the Move?

One of the hottest topics heading into the offseason is Ayton's fate with the Phoenix Suns. The franchise didn't issue him an extension before the season, and after their recent playoff flameout, there's considerable skepticism that the team will re-sign him. Instead, the restricted free agent may need to solicit an offer sheet or navigate a sign-and-trade. If so, Ayton is expected to seek a maximum contract that could reach $131.2 million over four seasons.

The Utah Jazz were also ousted earlier than they had hoped, leading to the resignation of coach Quin Snyder. Many competing executives and agents believe the franchise will look to move Gobert, who has four years and $169.7 million left on his contract.

The Orlando Magic have a young 7-footer hitting restricted free agency in Mo Bamba, whose market value may be closer to the $10.3 million NTMLE. The Magic may look to retain him, especially if the franchise drafts Smith at No. 1. If Orlando chooses Holmgren, Bamba could become available via sign-and-trade or even as an unrestricted free agent.

Teams seeking a starting center may include the Toronto Raptors, Pistons, Trail Blazers and Hornets. Some sources believe the San Antonio Spurs (Jakob Poeltl), Chicago Bulls (Nikola Vucevic), Hawks (Clint Capela, John Collins), Pacers (Turner) or even Kings (Richaun Holmes, Harrison Barnes) could look to swap out existing players for one of the top available centers via trade.

Would the Bulls offer Coby White, Marko Simonovic and Vucevic for Gobert? Would Sacramento try to pair Domantas Sabonis with Gobert with an offer of Holmes, Barnes and No. 4? Do the Phoenix Suns target Capela or Collins in an Ayton sign-and-trade? It's too early to guess how teams ultimately reshuffle, but now is the time to run scenarios and feel other teams out as the draft nears with free agency beginning a week later.

Another big who could be on the move is Steven Adams of the Memphis Grizzlies, although he's extremely well-liked in the locker room.

Elsewhere...

Additional buzz heading into the draft and free agency:

• The Thunder may be the first domino with up to $31.8 million in cap space. The team is open to taking on unwanted salary for draft compensation before its room disappears on July 1 when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's extension kicks in.
• The Knicks looking to hire Rick Brunson, per Ian Begley of SNY, isn't a coincidence. His son, Dallas Mavericks free-agent Jalen Brunson, may be next. While New York won't have the cap room, multiple sources believe Dallas may blink at Brunson's asking price, compelled to sign and trade him to the Knicks.
• Competing teams are very curious how the Brooklyn Nets deal with Kyrie Irving, the Philadelphia 76ers with James Harden and the Washington Wizards with Bradley Beal. All three have player options but could opt out and re-sign or walk outright as free agents.
• The Suns are apparently hoping Dario Saric returns to form after a knee injury and may not be looking to dump his $9.2 million remaining in trade.
• The Hawks may waive Danilo Gallinari, whose $21.5 million contract is only $5 million guaranteed. Similarly, the Trail Blazers may cut Eric Bledsoe's $19.4 million with a $3.9 million guarantee. Either could end up in a trade, though the returns for Atlanta and Portland would be based on the guaranteed portion, not the full salaries.
• After hiring Kenny Atkinson, the Hornets may hold onto Gordon Hayward. Several sources believe the Pacers will keep Turner. Pencil in Chris Boucher to return to the Raptors.
• The Cavaliers may look to restock their backcourt with a healthy Collin Sexton and Ricky Rubio, who they traded to the Pacers at the deadline.
• The Pistons are expected to retain Marvin Bagley III. The team may make a run at a restricted free agent like Miles Bridges or Ayton, either by offer sheet or sign-and-trade.
• Many believe D'Angelo Russell is available out of Minnesota.

Email Eric Pincus at eric.pincus@gmail.com and follow him on Twitter, @EricPincus.

The Los Angeles Lakers have made it known around the NBA that they don't want to "force" a Russell Westbrook trade that "costs them additional assets," according to NBA reporter Marc Stein.

Stein also reported that a Westbrook-for-John-Wall trade is unlikely:

Regarding the long-running idea that Westbrook could be swapped again for Houston's Wall, since both would be making near-identical $47 million salaries next season, one source briefed on the situation told me this week that Houston's interest has always been predicated on the Lakers including draft compensation to sweeten the deal, which L.A. steadfastly refuses to do.

That makes it likely that Westbrook will be a Laker come the start of the 2022-23 season.

He has until June 29 to decide if he'll exercise or decline his $47 million player option, and unsurprisingly, he reportedly is expected to do the former.

"Westbrook can opt into the final year of his contract at $47 million. He's expected to do that at the end of the month," ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on NBA Countdown Friday (0:50 mark). "But [he's] really enthusiastic about getting to know [new Lakers head coach] Darvin Ham so far and expects to talk with him a lot more about his role, how he fits into it, as they move through the summer toward training camp."

While Westbrook had a poor first season with the Lakers by his standards—he averaged just 18.5 points, 7.4 boards and 7.1 assists per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field, 29.8 percent from three and 66.7 percent from the charity stripe—giving away nearly $50 million to find a better situation always felt unlikely, especially since Westbrook wouldn't get anywhere close to that figure as a free agent at this stage in his career.

Westbrook undoubtedly became one of the scapegoats of the team's disappointing 33-49 campaign, fitting poorly alongside stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis while having some truly perplexing moments.

Frank Vogel was made the ultimate scapegoat, as he was fired and replaced by Ham. While he didn't get the most out of last year's group, reprioritizing role players who defend and shoot from the perimeter should be the goal for the front office this offseason after last year's roster was constructed poorly around the skill sets of James and Davis.

That included the addition of Westbrook, who likely would be traded if moving his contract was feasible. But very few teams could find a way to absorb his cap hit, and all would likely demand assets in return that the Lakers, per Stein, aren't inclined to give away.

In summary: Westbrook is going to keep his $47 million and the Lakers are going to keep the few tradable future assets they have. For better or worse, this marriage appears very likely to continue for one more season.

Former Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young and rapper Blueface are set to duke it out in a celebrity boxing match on July 30.

According to TMZ Sports, Young and Blueface will be part of the Social Gloves event at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

Young spent five of his 12 NBA seasons calling Crypto.com Arena home back when it was known as Staples Center. Swaggy P spent part of one season with the Los Angeles Clippers and four seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 37-year-old Young starred in the NBA from 2007-19, averaging 11.4 points, 2.0 rebounds, 1.4 three-pointers made and 1.0 assist per game.

Blueface, 25, is an L.A. native like Young, but unlike his opponent, he has some fighting experience.

The popular musician signed with Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship last year and beat TikTok star Kane Trujillo by unanimous decision in a three-round, gloved, amateur bout in July 2021.

Aside from Young vs. Blueface, the headline fight at Social Gloves will be a clash between YouTubers Austin McBroom and AnEsonGib.

It was also reported this week by TMZ Sports that Le'Veon Bell, a free-agent NFL running back with three Pro Bowl and two first-team All-Pro nods to his credit, will compete on the card.

The Los Angeles Lakers, who traded both their picks in the 2022 NBA draft, will reportedly "aggressively try to buy" a second-round selection for the June 23 event.

Dan Woike of the Los Angeles Times reported Friday it's a "safe bet" the Lakers are going to make offers that include cash and/or future second-rounders and noted the team also figures to emerge as a popular destination for undrafted free agents.

L.A. would probably prefer a wide-scale roster reconstruction around the superstar tandem of LeBron James and Anthony Davis this summer after a disappointing season that saw the team post a 33-49 record to miss the playoffs.

That's only possible if the Lakers find a trade partner for Russell Westbrook, who was underwhelming in his first season with the franchise after being acquired last August.

The nine-time All-Star is scheduled to count $47.1 million against the salary cap in 2022-23 as part of a player option in his five-year, $206.8 million contract, which makes a trade unlikely.

In turn, the Lakers front office, led by general manager Rob Pelinka, may have to rely on a series of smaller moves to reshape the roster for new head coach Darvin Ham.

"I think one of the things we lacked last year was an identity of toughness," Pelinka told reporters Monday. "We are excited to see [how] a coach with his leadership style will bring those attributes to our team next year."

Woike didn't mention any prospects the Lakers may target with an acquired second-round pick, but Colorado forward Jabari Walker is one name to keep in mind if they're seeking an infusion of toughness.

Walker is coming off a sophomore season with the Buffaloes in which he averaged 14.6 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists across 33 appearances. He shot 46.1 percent from the field and knocked down 1.1 threes per contest at a 34.6 percent clip.

The first-team All-Pac 12 selection is able to guard multiple positions thanks to his length and athleticism, and he plays with terrific energy. Those factors suggest he'll be an effective role player early in his NBA career while trying to prove himself as a future starter.

While the Lakers may be able to add a few useful rookies like Walker, they'll rely even more heavily on veteran reserves on team friendly contracts in free agency to fill out the roster in the coming months.

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has reiterated his desire to become an NBA owner.

James, who expressed his ownership goal last year, said on The Shop that he's honing in on Las Vegas as the franchise's home, suggesting he could take charge of an expansion team:

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver denied rumors the league could expand as early as 2024 during a press conference before the NBA Finals last week.

"That talk is not true," Silver told reporters. "At least maybe there are people talking who are not at the league office about us potentially expanding after the 2024 season. We are not discussing that at this time. As I said before, at some point, this league invariably will expand, but it's not at this moment that we are discussing it."

Nevertheless, Bill Simmons of The Ringer predicted the LeBron-Vegas connection in February:

James has made substantial progress toward making himself a viable candidate to lead an ownership group in the financial aspect.

Chase Peterson-Withorn of Forbes reported the 37-year-old Ohio native is the first active NBA player to become a billionaire. Michael Jordan has reached that threshold, but only after his playing days were over.

Now James is aiming to follow in MJ's ownership footsteps. The Chicago Bulls legend is the chairman of the Charlotte Hornets.

There are still far more questions than answers, though.

James continues to play at an All-Star level and has stated his hope of finishing his career alongside his son Bronny James, a 2024 draft prospect.

"My last year will be played with my son," the four-time MVP told Jason Lloyd of The Athletic in February. "Wherever Bronny is at, that's where I'll be. I would do whatever it takes to play with my son for one year. It's not about the money at that point."

Meanwhile, it's also unclear whether James would be willing to join an existing ownership group if the NBA's expansion process shows no signs of acceleration, and if doing so would raise the prospect that the franchise relocates to Vegas.

He's getting a taste of sports ownership as a partner of the Fenway Sports Group, which counts MLB's Boston Red Sox and Liverpool of the English Premier League among its teams.

It sounds like he's focused on adding an NBA organization to his portfolio in the coming years, though it may take a while for the details to come together.

For new Los Angeles Lakers head coach Darvin Ham, righting the ship for the embattled franchise requires swift and decisive actions, and one of the first moves on the agenda is apparently hitting the reset button on who'll be working alongside him behind the bench.

According to ESPN's Dave McMenamin and Adrian Wojnarowski, Ham informed assistants David Fizdale, Mike Penberthy and John Lucas III on Tuesday that their services will not be required for next season.

But not everyone from last year's coaching staff was given the pink slip.

Ham will reportedly keep assistant coaches Quinton Crawford and Phil Handy as he builds out his contingent holding clipboards.

"I like coaches that like to roll up their sleeves and are able to get out there," Ham said during his introductory news conference.

"Where I come from the last nine years, we did everything. We did player development. We did scouting. I had to step in as the head coach on a few occasions. But it was a team. It wasn't coordinators on either side of the ball. We all pitched in on all aspects of our team basketball offensively and defensively. So, I'm looking to build that similar type of staff."

To that end, the former player for the Detroit Pistons is also trying to hire former teammate Rasheed Wallace to join his staff.

The two were both a part of the Pistons' 2004 title team, and according to University of Memphis head coach Penny Hardaway, the pair had plans to work together as early as last year.

"That was the deal from the beginning," Hardaway told Jason Munz of the Memphis Commercial Appeal. "If Darvin had gotten a job last year, Rasheed had already promised him that he was going to go with him. So, I’m thinking this year, with him getting the Lakers job, (Wallace) might still be going along with that process."

Wallace was an assistant for Hardaway this past season and was a member of Detroit's coaching staff in 2013-14 after he retired as a player.

According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, though, the two sides "have not yet reached a formal contract stage."

Ham added that Wallace is definitely a candidate and that it's a "fluid situation" that he's working with Lakers' vice president of operations Rob Pelinka to bring to fruition.

Wallace was a four-time NBA All-Star in his playing career and garnered quite the reputation for getting technical fouls.

His "ball don't lie" refrain became infamous during that time, and the phrase has taken on a life of its own since then.

But he's also known for his basketball mind, which helped the Bad Boys win another title over the Lakers 18 years ago.

That's what former Laker Metta Sandiford-Artest wants Laker Nation to focus on.

"I think Rasheed is brilliant, smart," Sandiford-Artest told TMZ. "As good as it's going to come when you talk about a basketball brain."

Outside of what happens on the bench, the Lakers front office was concerned about how Ham would utilize Russell Westbrook to help him have the kind of bounce-back year that makes this past season a distant memory.

For his part, at the least, Wallace is in agreement with Ham that Westbrook is an elite player.

He made that known while the former MVP was playing for the Washington Wizards.

"Russ is the best player in the NBA right now," Wallace said while on ESPN's The Jump.

Lakers fans will have to wait and see if Wallace does actually sign a contract to join Ham in L.A., but they at least know that their new head coach has the freedom to pick his deputies and, from the looks of it, steer the ship in the direction he thinks it should go.