Report: ‘Every member’ of Lakers admits misjudgment of Westbrook trade

Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook. Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports

Report: 'Every member' of Lakers organization admits misjudgment of Russell Westbrook trade

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 1/10/24

While we're long past the point of debating virtually anything concerning the Los Angeles Lakers trade for Russell Westbrook, the disappointing result from what had the look of a high-upside big three is blame being shouldered by everyone. Literally.

As reported by ESPN's Dave McMenamin , "every member" of the Lakers organization involved with the blockbuster trade is shouldering a bit of the blame. And this includes LeBron James.

And sometimes moves simply don't work out. Sources told ESPN that every member of the organization involved in the Russell Westbrook trade — including James — will admit they misjudged it, owning part of the blame.

Westbrook, who played just 130 games for the Lakers, was expected by many to be traded following his first year with the team. Ultimately, he remained with the Lakers through a surprising 52 games the following year (2022-23), even taking on a sixth-man role facilitated by (at the time) new head coach Darvin Ham.

While Westbrook was far from the only issue for the Lakers during his time with the team, he simply didn't fit well with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, it seems.

Regardless of what the biggest looming issue was, Westbrook appears to have found a home with the team's cross-town rival, the Los Angeles Clippers, and is now in Year 2 with the team after re-signing this offseason.

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