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“This Front Office Is an Embarrassment to Sports”: Lakers Fans Hide in Shame as $47 Million NBA All-Star’s Future Looks Imminent

Published 12/15/2022, 11:47 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Los Angeles Lakers had a troubling start to the season. A chunk of the Laker Nation hid in pain while the rest expressed their frustrations online. The narrative at the time was to blame nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook because he was supposed to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis. This didn’t happen as Westbrook struggled to find his rhythm. So many fans wanted him out.

However, things have changed now. Westbrook looks settled and the organization seems to be happy with his performance. The fans too are appreciative of Westbrook. However, when new reports about his future with the Lakers emerged, fans shared their views online.

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The Los Angeles Lakers have improved as the season continued, and many credit Russell Westbrook for being a vital factor in this. His stat line now reads an average of 14.7 points per game with 7.5 assists and 5.9 rebounds per game so far. With these figures, reports suggest that Jeanie Buss and the Lakers organization aren’t keen on a Russell Westbrook trade anymore. The belief is that Westbrook, who opted into the final year of his $47 million contract, is fitting into the team.

However, as per reports from The Athletic, the net rating of the Lakers has been better when Westbrook has been on the bench rather than being on the court. With this in mind, fans are in disbelief that the organization has potentially taken a Westbrook trade off the table.

Fans left frustrated with the Los Angeles Lakers

Lakers fans have seemingly accepted Russell Westbrook this season. Well, this can be said with the applause and cheers he receives on the court. However, it doesn’t seem like the fans want Westbrook to flaunt the Lakers jersey next season, despite his recent form. While acknowledging his recent performances, fans still want Westbrook out of the roster.

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When sources stated that Westbrook could have a longer future with the Lakers, fans took to Twitter to express their annoyance towards the organization. Many believe that while it’s great to watch the 2017 MVP play well, the team will benefit more if they trade him for someone with more experience and talent.

They claim that he still doesn’t fit the Lakers’ way of playing ball. Many were baffled by the decision taken by the front office. One tweet read, “This front office is an embarrassment to sports”. They also pointed out that despite Westbrook’s improving figures, the Lakers are still not certain to make the playoffs.

Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:

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The Lakers currently sit 12th on the Western Conference table with an 11-16 record so far this season.

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Watch This Story: Point Guards the Lakers need to keep an eye on

Should the Lakers look to let go of Russell Westbrook or keep him on the roster? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by:

Shriya Rajachandra

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Shriya Rajachandra is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. She earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism, Psychology, and Communicative English. Shriya previously interned at The New Indian Express, but her favorite journalist, Marcus Thompson motivated her to start writing about basketball.
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Edited by:

Veer Badani