Draymond Green Says LeBron James Is GOAT over Michael Jordan for 2016 Finals Win
Dec 5, 2022
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 20: LeBron James #6 of Team LeBron talks to Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game as part of 2022 NBA All Star Weekend on February 20, 2022 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images)
For Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green, LeBron James' 2016 NBA Finals triumph tipped the scales in his favor in the NBA GOAT conversation.
On UNINTERRUPTED's Throwing Bones, Green made the point that James "was the best player in the NBA by his third season" and maintained that level almost every year since. He added that Jordan "didn't beat the greatest team ever assembled," seemingly a reference to the Cleveland Cavaliers taking down the 73-win Warriors in 2016.
While Jordan would probably be the prevailing pick for the greatest ever, the 2016 Finals was probably the one moment more than any other that James seriously challenged MJ for the title.
According to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne, Jordan was sold on making The Last Dance on the same day the Cavs had their championship parade. Maybe it's purely a coincidence, but you get the sense His Airness sensed the implications of LeBron's third title and saw The Last Dance as his rebuttal.
But Green's comments underline how there will almost certainly never be a consensus regarding the NBA's GOAT.
With Anthony Davis in MVP Form, Lakers Should Go All-In This Trade Season
Dec 5, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 04: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the third quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 04, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers (10-12) have won eight of their last 10 games, Anthony Davis has entered the NBA's Most Valuable Player conversation, and a team that was considered a punchline a few weeks ago is finally being taken seriously.
But with Davis back playing like "Bubble AD" after a signature win against the 16-6 Milwaukee Bucks on Friday and a 55-point explosion on Sunday against the Washington Wizards, it's now time for the Lakers front office to take this team's immediate future seriously.
Up until recently, the front office was close to letting this year's Lakers die on the vine. Rather than ship out Russell Westbrook and one or both of their available future first-round picks (2027 and 2029) to bolster a lost cause, the Lakers seemed resigned to waiting to shop for bigger upgrades around the 2023 draft and free agency. Los Angeles has preserved roughly $30-35 million in cap space for this upcoming summer.
But this recent surge makes a trade more likely than the alternative. Going for it this season is more of an option with Davis playing this well, picks and future cap space be damned.
Rob Pelinka on the Lakers potentially trading their picks: “Let me be abundantly clear … (LeBron) committed to our organization, we’re going to commit to him - including those picks - to see him to the finish line.” He emphasizes that they only get one shot to trade the picks.
It's difficult to pinpoint precisely when Davis got past the back injury that ailed him early in the season, but he went from averaging 23.8 points and 10.6 rebounds in October to 27.2 points and 13.5 rebounds in November. That resurgence is carrying the Lakers even though LeBron James is not playing up to his usual standards.
Davis' Play at Center Should Impact Trade Board
Davis has been clear throughout his career that he prefers to play power forward. When the Lakers won the title in 2019-20, they had JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard in their rotation. Davis would shift to center in critical moments, especially in the playoffs, but it was a luxury.
It begs the question: If Davis is doing this much damage at center this season, why mess with what's working? Why chase players like Myles Turner, Jakob Poeltl or even Nikola Vucevic if it's only going to hamper your best player?
Davis doesn't need to be banging with bruisers such as Steven Adams every night. The Lakers have Thomas Bryant, Wenyen Gabriel or Damian Jones to ease that burden.
The league has gotten smaller, and Davis is a nuisance for the remaining true bigs in the NBA. While there's an impulse to downsize Davis' position to protect his body, most of his injuries have come from awkward falls or stepping on another player's foot. Does playing power forward instead of center really protect him from that kind of random ailment?
The Westbrook Reality
The Lakers have shopped Russell Westbrook since well before last year's trade deadline. But it isn't a certainty that he's on the way out of L.A. Westbrook may not fit perfectly alongside James, but he's hungrily feeding Davis assists at a very high clip.
The core dilemma is that while Westbrook may work as a sixth man during the regular season, it won't translate to the playoffs when bench play is typically minimized. Opponents tend to ignore him when he's off the ball, impinging on the space James and Davis need to operate.
If the Lakers trade Westbrook, they need to bring back a dynamic playmaker who will take some of that burden off James and ensure Davis continues to get high-percentage opportunities. That's why they acquired Westbrook from the Wizards in the first place, but they misjudged his fit alongside James. And it's why they chased Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving throughout the offseason.
Whether Irving is the answer is debatable. But how many NBA teams are eager to give up high-level playmakers?
If Brooklyn doesn't make Irving available, would a non-shooter like Ben Simmons—who ran point for the Philadelphia 76ers—make sense for L.A., given his ties to Klutch Sports?
It may take a few months to see if the Toronto Raptors (12-11) decide to change course and move core pieces like Fred VanVleet, who can opt out of his contract after the season. Do the Chicago Bulls (9-14) move DeMar DeRozan, who averaged 6.9 assists per game in 2020-21 with the San Antonio Spurs?
The Lakers seriously considered acquiring DeRozan last summer before they traded Westbrook, but his mid-range-heavy game and unreliable three-point shot might not mesh well with James and Davis.
When the Charlotte Hornets (7-16) made a pitch to the Utah Jazz for Donovan Mitchell during the offseason, the Lakers discussed a multi-team deal that would have brought Terry Rozier to L.A. Mitchell instead ended up with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Rozier is averaging a career-high 5.7 assists per game this season on the Hornets, but his shooting has fallen off a cliff (29.6 percent from three). Would he find his stroke alongside better players than Charlotte has on its young roster?
Might the Miami Heat send Kyle Lowry (and probably Duncan Robinson) to the Lakers for Westbrook and additional compensation? Would the Lakers consider a reunion with Minnesota Timberwolves guard D'Angelo Russell?
None of those scenarios are likely. Westbrook may not work in the playoffs, but the list of players who can adequately replace his shot creation is short.
What Else Do the Lakers Need?
The Lakers have three starters locked in with Lonnie Walker IV, James and Davis. They have open spots for a starting point guard and a wing who can defend, shoot and score. Jerami Grant (undoubtedly unavailable from the Portland Trail Blazers) is the model of what they could use most.
If Westbrook stays in L.A. past the trade deadline, Dennis Schröder will probably continue to start at the point. If not, Schröder would likely back up whomever the Lakers acquire to replace Westbrook. Austin Reaves has been a key rotation member as well, and Troy Brown Jr., Gabriel and Bryant round out the rotation. Another backup center wouldn't hurt, but that's a lower priority.
The Lakers can trade anyone on the roster except for James because of his recent extension. The expendable pieces include Patrick Beverley ($13 million), Kendrick Nunn ($5.3 million), Damian Jones ($2.3 million) and Juan Toscano-Anderson ($1.8 million). All but Jones (who has a player option of $2.6 million for 2023-24) are on expiring contracts.
The Lakers also have their two future first-round picks, several second-rounders, rookie Max Christie (owed $2.7 million through next season) and up to $6.4 million in cash to trade, as the potential outgoing players may not have significant on-court value.
Beverley and Nunn together can bring back $22.9 million in salary. The Lakers could take back up to $29.4 million if they packaged Beverley and Nunn with Jones, Toscano-Anderson and Christie. Add in Westbrook, and the range increases to $81.7-88.2 million. A blockbuster of that size is possible, but roster space and an increased luxury-tax bill could be impediments.
The list of available trade targets isn't yet clear, as the other 29 teams are currently trying to figure out where they stand. The trade market starts to heat up after December 15, which is when a majority of recently signed free agents can be traded. The Lakers may need a team or two to quit on the season if they want high-quality players in return, but that may only happen closer to the February 9 trade deadline.
Potential targets could include:
Bojan Bogdanović and Alec Burks (Detroit Pistons)
Mo Bamba, Gary Harris and Terrence Ross (Orlando Magic)
Buddy Hield (Indiana Pacers)
Cam Reddish and Evan Fournier (New York Knicks)
Jae Crowder (Phoenix Suns)
Gary Trent Jr., OG Anunoby and Chris Boucher (Toronto Raptors)
Kyle Kuzma (Washington Wizards)
Kelly Oubre Jr. and Mason Plumlee (Hornets)
Eric Gordon and KJ Martin (Houston Rockets)
Bogdan Bogdanović and John Collins (Atlanta Hawks)
Seth Curry (Nets)
Alex Caruso (Bulls)
Matisse Thybulle (76ers)
Cedi Osman (Cavaliers)
Some are already buzzing as available in NBA circles, but many are not. Specifically, the Bulls, Hawks, Raptors and Wizards are still focused on making a playoff push.
But the Lakers need to be careful in how they proceed. As general manager Rob Pelinka stressed on media day, the team won't get a do-over on trading its available first-round picks. He could split them up into separate deals, possibly seeing what he can get for Beverley and Nunn before making the more delicate decision on Westbrook.
The Lakers' goal is to give Davis and James a real opportunity to compete for a title again. Given the way Davis is playing, the Lakers finally have some hope. That could lead to a busy trade season for them.
Lakers' Anthony Davis on Ignoring Critics: 'I Don't Get into the Ratings or Rankings'
Dec 5, 2022
Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) reacts after scoring against the Washington Wizards during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Dec. 4, 2022, in Washington. The Lakers won 130-119. (AP Photo/Jess Rapfogel)
Los Angeles Lakers star Anthony Davis doesn't worry about outside opinions.
"I don't get into the ratings or rankings. That's not my job," Davis said, per Melissa Rohlin of Fox Sports. "I don't care about any of that. It's my job to help this team get wins and compete for championships. And we're on track to having a complete team and putting everything together to be able to compete."
Fans and experts have been critical of Davis' play over the past two seasons, with his numbers dropping and injuries limiting him to only 76 total games. He missed the All-Star Game last year for the first time since his rookie year in 2012-13, while our NBA staff listed him as the No. 17 overall player heading into the 2022-23 season.
The 29-year-old is now proving doubters wrong after a hot start to the year. He's averaging 28.6 points, 2.4 blocks and a league-high 12.8 rebounds per game.
After scoring 44 points in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday, Davis exploded for 55 points and 17 rebounds in Sunday's win over the Washington Wizards.
Los Angeles has won eight of its last 10 games after a 2-10 start to the year.
Though Davis might not care about what critics think about him, it might be time to adjust expectations for both him and the Lakers this season.
LeBron James Says He Won't Miss Lakers' Game vs. Cavs After Tweaking Ankle Injury
Dec 5, 2022
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 09: Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) during the NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers on November 09, 2022, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James said he tweaked his ankle during Sunday's win over the Washington Wizards, but he doesn't expect to miss any time.
The Lakers face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday, where James spent 11 of his 20 NBA seasons.
James has already missed time this season after he suffered a groin injury in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' 114-101 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Nov. 9.
"I didn't do anything extraneous on the play," James told reporters after the game. "Just when I landed, I felt a little spasm or strain in my groin. So immediately I had to come out after that on the next play down when I went to the free-throw line."
James returned after missing about two weeks with the groin injury, but he then suffered a sprained ankle in the Lakers' Nov. 28 loss to the Indiana Pacers. He hasn't missed any time due to that injury, but he has aggravated it multiple times over the past week.
It's yet another issue for the Lakers to worry about after James missed significant time due to injuries in each of the last two seasons.
The Lakers have gotten back on track after a slow start. They're currently sitting 12th in the Western Conference with a 10-12 record. James is averaging 26.1 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.6 assists per game this season, ranking second on the team in each category.
Warriors: Viral Video of Stephen Curry Making 5 Straight Full-Court Shots Not Real
Dec 5, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 27: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors smiles during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 27, 2022 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Stephen Curry might be the greatest shooter in NBA history, but he isn't that good.
On Sunday, a video went viral showing the Golden State Warriors star sinking five straight full-court heaves at the team's practice facility.
There's just one problem. The Associated Press' Janie McCauley confirmed the video is fake.
That raises an obvious question: Were any of Curry's 3,232 made three-pointers real? How deep does the conspiracy go?
Opposing teams have grown accustomed to paying attention to Curry as soon as he crosses half court, such is his shooting range. Luckily they don't have to start crowding him immediately after he catches an inbound pass.
Anthony Davis Draws MVP Buzz from Fans as Lakers Crush Wizards for 3rd Straight Win
Dec 5, 2022
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 04: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates during the third quarter of the game against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena on December 04, 2022 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Lakers' strong run of form continued Sunday as they earned a 130-119 road victory over the Washington Wizards.
While the Lakers are still only 10-12 on the season, they've now won eight of their last 10 games.
Anthony Davis has been a major spark behind the turnaround. He had averaged 32.9 points, 15.4 rebounds and 2.9 blocks over the previous eight games.
The eight-time All-Star had his 10th consecutive double-double Sunday, finishing with 55 points, 17 rebounds and three blocks. This is the kind of player the Lakers have wanted him to be ever since acquiring him from the New Orleans Pelicans, and he might be assembling an MVP résumé.
Let’s get the AD for MVP convos going! @AntDavis23 👀
Most smart basketball commentators said before the season that the only way the Lakers would have a chance…would be if Anthony Davis played like the NBA MVP.
In recent games, he has been. And their team looks great!
Anthony Davis got a bunch of MVP chants in Washington D.C., which has long been a partisan Lakers building when they're in town, after reaching 40 points for the 2nd straight game.
Lakers star Anthony Davis scored 55 points Vs Wizards, four shy of his career-high. Davis has 99 points in his last 2 games, the most over a 2-game span by a Lakers player since Kobe Bryant since March 2007. The only other Lakers player to do this is Elgin Baylor. @ESPNStatsInfopic.twitter.com/0ZfziI03pc
Since blocks became official in 1973-74, Anthony Davis is the 1st player in Lakers franchise history to record 40+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 3+ blocks in back-to-back games. https://t.co/anmIrkW3j2pic.twitter.com/vUIHXG5gJd
Los Angeles was one of the NBA's biggest punchlines when it opened at 2-10. Now, it's impossible to ignore the progress being made by the team under first-year head coach Darvin Ham.
Davis will get the headlines for obvious reasons, but Lonnie Walker IV chipped in with 20 points against Washington. The bench combined to contribute 21 points as well.
Lakers guard rotation has turned into a fun group between Lonnie, Reaves, & Russ
Dennis still finding his rhythm but I think he is gonna get a lot better
The Lakers have the No. 7 ranked offense in the NBA since Nov. 1 and just scored 68 in the first half against Washington. Ignore the apocalyptic start and the Lakers have been a very good offense basically ever since.
The Lakers pivot to the third leg of their six-game road trip Tuesday for a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The fanbase might have been getting antsy when reading rumors of general manager Rob Pelinka wanting to wait around before pursuing any significant trades. That patient approach is paying off in a big way because this squad looks transformed with Davis firing on all cylinders.
LeBron James, Anthony Davis Thrill NBA Twitter in Lakers' Epic Win vs. Giannis, Bucks
Dec 3, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WI - DECEMBER 2: Anthony Davis #3 of the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on December 2, 2022 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2022 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images).
The Los Angeles Lakers opened their six-game Eastern Conference road trip on a high note, taking down the Milwaukee Bucks 133-129 at Fiserv Forum on Friday to improve to 9-12 on the 2022-23 season.
The victory was fueled by Anthony Davis, who posted 44 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 40 minutes. He made 18 of 27 shots from the floor and two of his three shots from deep.
LeBron James was also key in the victory. He posted 28 points, 11 assists, eight rebounds and two steals in 37 minutes. He made 12 of 27 shots from the floor and three of his six shots from deep.
Russell Westbrook had a solid game off the bench, finishing with 15 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds in 29 minutes. However, it was the performances of Davis and James that sent Twitter into a frenzy:
Not only was the Best game that I’ve seen AD, Bron and Russ play together in a Lakers uniform but it also was their most Impressive win!!! Carry the hell on…
This AD tonite is an MVP candidate. He was the best player on the court even with 2 guys with 6 regular season mvp awards and 5 finals mvps. Go argue with homies. I’m busy celebrating #LakerNation#lakerswin
Easily the win of the season, the Lakers triumph 133-129 on the road against Milwaukee in a game that always finds a way to be a measuring stick. AD with 44 points and 10 rebounds. LeBron with 28p, 11a, 8r. Russ with 15p, 11a, 7r. Great effort highlighting the best of the stars.
The Lakers have now won seven of their last nine games and appear to be trending upward. If they can continue to claim victories on this road trip, they could be back in the playoff picture.
The Purple and Gold will be back in action Sunday against the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena before facing the Cleveland Cavaliers on Tuesday at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Lakers' LeBron James Passes Magic Johnson for 6th-Most Assists All-Time
Dec 3, 2022
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 02: LeBron James #6 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half of the game at Fiserv Forum on December 02, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James passed basketball legend Magic Johnson for sixth all-time on the NBA's career assists list in Friday's game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum.
No. 6 at No. 6
LeBron has passed Magic Johnson for No. 6 on the NBA’s all-time assists list. pic.twitter.com/51wSNXSzmH
James entered the night with 10,133 dimes, eight behind Johnson's career mark of 10,141. He tied Magic's mark with a pass to Anthony Davis for a layup early in the fourth quarter before later finding AD on a three-pointer to pass the Laker legend.
With this pass, LeBron James has tied Magic Johnson for 6th all-time in career assists.
James finished the evening with 11 assists alongside 28 points and eight rebounds to help lead the Lakers to a 133-129 win.
The 20-year NBA veteran, who turns 38 on Dec. 30, entered the night averaging 25.8 points, 8.6 rebounds and 6.3 assists per game.
The superstar is near the top of many NBA career lists, including points scored and field goals made (both second), minutes played (third) and steals (10th).
As far as the assists list goes, James could easily find himself fourth all-time before the 2022-23 season ends. Steve Nash is fourth with 10,335 assists, while Mark Jackson is in fifth with just one fewer dish.
James and the Lakers will now head to Washington, D.C., to face the Wizards on Sunday at Capital One Arena.
Draymond Green Addresses Lakers Trade Rumors, Playing Rest of Career with Warriors
Dec 2, 2022
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 25: Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors dribbles the ball up court against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter of an NBA basketball game at Chase Center on November 25, 2022 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Draymond Green can become a free agent after this season, but he doesn't sound eager to leave the Golden State Warriors.
In an interview with Marc J. Spears of Andscape, Green said being able to spend his entire career with one organization would "absolutely" appeal to him:
"It’s incredible when you look at the amount of guys who’ve played for only one team. You can look around the NBA right now. There are five guys that’s been on a team for 11 years-plus. We have three of them [along with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson]. It’s a very rare thing. There’s 470, 480 players in the NBA? There are five guys that’s been with his team for 11 years plus. That’s amazing. So, you don’t just give that away."
Green also addressed a previous rumor that he had interest in being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.
"I never said that," he explained. "People can say what they want. I’m also not really one to react much to what one may say. I react to things when I want to react to it. I don’t react to things just because somebody said it."
The Lakers rumor was started by Stephen A. Smith during an episode of First Take in the wake of the altercation involving Green and Jordan Poole at a Warriors' practice in October.
"Draymond Green is expecting this to be his last year in Golden State," Smith said on Oct. 10. "Now, he wanna be a Laker. He ain't gonna tell anybody that, but don't think I don't know. He'd prefer to be a Laker if he gotta leave Golden State."
Green has a $27.6 million player option for 2023-24, but told Spears he's "not at all" concerned about his contract because he trusts his agent, Rich Paul.
There has been a lot of speculation about Green's future in Golden State, even before the incident with Poole took place.
The Warriors' cap situation has already forced the front office to make some notable roster decisions. They opted not to re-sign Gary Payton II, Juan Toscano-Anderson, Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica after winning the NBA title last season.
Poole and Andrew Wiggins both signed extensions that could keep them with the team through the 2026-27 season.
Golden State is also trying to simultaneously compete for a title and develop young players for its future.
The latter plan hasn't worked out thus far, with James Wiseman being sent to the G League to work on his game. Jonathan Kuminga is still trying to translate his athletic potential into game performance. Moses Moody is averaging 4.9 points per game and shooting under 40 percent from the field.
Even Poole has been unable to pick up where he left off last season. The 23-year-old is shooting 41.5 percent overall (30.5 percent from three) and has a 116 defensive rating through 22 games, per Basketball-Reference.com.
The main starting five of Green, Wiggins, Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Kevon Looney has a plus-22.9 net rating in 18 games together.
Despite the success of that group, the Warriors enter Friday with an 11-11 record and the 15th-best net rating overall (plus-0.3).
Green is shooting a career-high 60.2 percent from the field, while also leading the team with 7.1 assists per game in 20 starts.
Russell Westbrook May No Longer Be Lakers' Best Trade Option amid Latest NBA Rumors
Dec 2, 2022
Russell Westbrook
The Los Angeles Lakers have managed to turn their 2022 season around to a degree. After a disastrous 2-10 start to the season, Los Angeles has won six of its last eight. This doesn't mean that the Lakers are definitely playoff-bound—they're 13th in the Western Conference—but it does suggest that they're starting to figure it out.
Rookie head coach Darvin Ham hasn't been perfect, but he's found a way to maximize the trio of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook. Injuries certainly played a role, but the Big Three struggled to establish chemistry under Frank Vogel last season en route to a 33-win campaign.
Ham's strategy has been to use Westbrook as a sixth man and the centerpiece of the second-team offense. It has worked, and Westbrook has been a valuable contributor in his new role.
Despite averaging 6.4 minutes less than he did a season ago, Westbrook is averaging just 2.5 fewer points and 2.2 fewer rebounds while averaging more assists (7.2 vs. 7.1). He's also shooting 39.9 percent from the floor and 31.7 from three-point range—his highest three-point percentage since the 2016-17 season.
None of this means, though, that the Lakers won't still try to trade Westbrook before February's deadline. According to The Athletic's Jovan Buha, Los Angeles is still looking to flip the 34-year-old for a starting-caliber player—and it may use its 2027 and/or 2029 first-round picks to do so.
"We know Russell Westbrook has been in a bunch of trade rumors. The team is still actively trying to trade him, though they’re unsure of what they want to do with their picks," Buha told Lakers Talks with Allen Sliwa (h/t Harrison Faigen of Silver Screen and Roll).
Interestingly, Buha noted that Westbrook isn't the only player who has been discussed ahead of the December 15 trade window—when players who signed contracts in the offseason become trade-eligible.
According to Buha, a package consisting of Patrick Beverley and Kendrick Nunn has been discussed:
"So I think looking at Pat and Kendrick specifically, those have been the two names that have come up a lot in potential deals where the Lakers could package those guys together and get to about $20 million combined and then you throw in a first-round pick potentially, and all of sudden there are a lot of options where you get upwards of $22-25 million back in salary and throw in a pick and maybe you get a high-level starter or two coming back the other way."
Buha also noted that the Lakers brass is leaning toward making a smaller move—one not involving Westbrook or a future first-rounder, if that's possible—until the team starts beating quality teams.
Los Angeles is 2-12 against teams over .500.
Even if the Lakers do start stringing together quality wins, trading Westbrook may not be L.A.'s best move with a Beverley/Nunn package hypothetically on the table.
Yes, the Lakers would prefer to have the All-Star version of Westbrook running with the starters, but he's not exactly a liability off the bench. His ability to play up-tempo offense and be a distributor serves as a nice change of pace. Against teams prepared for a more methodical and physical offense centered around James and Davis, that's can be an asset.
Right now, Los Angeles is getting a lot less out of Beverley and Nunn.
Beverley is a fine defender, but he's shooting just 26.8 percent from the floor and 23.4 percent from beyond the arc. That's a problem because L.A. needs perimeter shooters who can complement the inside games of James and Davis.
This is especially true after the Lakers released Matt Ryan in preparation for that December 15 window:
The Lakers are waiving wing shooter Matt Ryan, sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium. Ryan impressed in stint with L.A., shooting 38.2 percent from 3, including a clutch shot in win over Pelicans in November. The move opens up a roster spot for Lakers ahead of Dec. 15 trade date.
Nunn, meanwhile, is averaging just 13.9 minutes and 5.8 points per game. That's a far cry from when he last played in 2020-21 (29.5 minutes, 14.6 PPG). He is expendable, and if the Lakers can replace Beverley in the starting lineup with a quality shooter, it would be an upgrade.
The big question is what Los Angeles can get in return for Beverley and Nunn. They're not going to get an All-Star because of the required salary match, and perhaps that's what Los Angeles is ultimately after. However, Los Angeles should be able to find a quality shooter in the $20-25 million range.
As a purely hypothetical example, let's examine Utah Jazz forward Mike Conley. He is shooting 38.6 percent from three-point range and is making $22.7 million this season. That's perhaps the level of player L.A. can hope to get, from a salary-match standpoint anyway.
If the Lakers can improve their starting lineup and/or their perimeter shooting while still keeping Westbrook as a high-end bench player, it could push them directly into the playoff mix.
Focusing on a trade involving Beverley, Nunn or both would also keep the Westbrook card in Los Angeles' proverbial pocket. If an ancillary piece or two doesn't help L.A. get on a winning track, the Lakers could still revisit a Westbrook trade before February 9.
Los Angeles still has two months before trading Westbrook is no longer an option. If they move him now and the trade doesn't pay off, the Lakers will likely be out of tradeable assets and out of luck.
Pursuing a trade that doesn't involve Westbrook could still make Los Angeles a better team, and if it doesn't, it would at least leave the Lakers with options. That's why Westbrook probably isn't the Lakers' best trade chip right now, and he definitely shouldn't be their only one.
