The vibe after the Lakers’ Media Day regarding their new backcourt was positive, just like it was when they acquired Westbrook. Sports Illustrated senior writer Chris Mannix, however, has already seen similarities between last season and the upcoming one for the Hollywood squad. He said:
When rumors started to surface last year that the LA Lakers were interested in Russell Westbrook, most basketball analysts didn’t think the trade would happen. He was expected to be a misfit in a system heavily dependent on LeBron James.
Given that the Lakers were linked to Buddy Hield, Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan, the Westbrook trade stunned many in the NBA. Despite the warning bells, GM Rob Pelinka reportedly succumbed to the pressure exerted by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
The Lakers had an up-and-down opening two months during the 2021-22 NBA season. They were 10-10 in their first 20 games. Despite hoping things would eventually work out, the Lakers continued in their downward spiral.
By the All-Star break, the LA Lakers were downright struggling, as shown by their 27-31 win-loss rate. Russell Westbrook struggled to adjust his game to what former head coach Frank Vogel asked of him.
Darvin Ham insists the LA Lakers backcourt will have a defensive identity
Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schroder and Patrick Beverley will have to earn their spots on the team for next season. Despite being a former MVP and a member of the NBA’s 75th team anniversary, coach Darvin Ham is not, at least publicly, guaranteeing “Russ” anything.
During the LA Lakers’ Media Day, Ham was non-committal about his plans for the backcourt, apart from assuring a defensive identity. He said:
It will be interesting to see how the new coach adapts to the existing environment.
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