The struggles of Russell Westbrook in the previous season have left him mired in the mud. The Lakers and the guard weren’t compatible from the onset. And as the fit and situation were not ideal for Russ, people scapegoated him for the Lakers’ downfall last year.

However, blaming one person for their failure is unjust. The Lakers were a powerhouse on paper, but their failure to establish an offensive identity and consistent chemistry led to their downfall. In a high-octane, young league, they were managed by a defensive coach who lacked a strategy for utilizing this firepower.

Westbrook was never effectively executed, and their defense and effort crumbled by mid-season. Now, the two parties don’t want anything to do with one other. Therefore, the Lakers have been exploring trade packages the entire offseason to relocate Westbrook. The Indiana Pacers are one team with whom the Lakers have been in talks.

However, according to The Athletic’s Bob Kravitz, the rumored trade between the two franchises that would have landed Brodie in Indiana in exchange for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield is “currently dead.”

Apparently, the Pacers want two first-round picks in the deal, but LA just wants to include one.

Fans are upset over the massive trade refusal that would have brought the Russell Westbrook saga to a close

If the Lakers had struck this deal, their supporters would have been overjoyed. However, the extra hurdles in this massive trade have infuriated the supporters.

If the Lakers finalize this deal, the chemistry concerns that plagued them last season will be resolved

As can be seen, supporters are striving to get Buddy Hield and Myles Turner to Los Angeles. And for the right reasons, too. Russell Westbrook couldn’t be himself in the presence of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. His weaknesses were highlighted, and he became the scapegoat as a result.

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The objective of today’s skill-driven NBA is to maximize your weapons by producing flow and energy. This may be a challenging task when you have a bunch of creators and men who run on rhythm, like Westbrook and James.

Two guys who wanted to do everything on the court clearly certainly didn’t help the Lakers. As a result, pursuing someone like Buddy Hield is something the Lakers could have done the last offseason. LeBron James will be himself regardless of the situation; however, placing shooters around him is what will catapult you towards the winning route.

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Hence, a sharpshooter like Hield would work like a charm in the Lakers’ game plan. And a player like Myles Turner, who can defend the paint, rebound, and stretch the floor, is a profile that every team wants.

What the future holds for the Lakers and Russell Westbrook will be revealed in the coming weeks. Where do you think the point guard will end up? Let us know in the comments section below.