A series of bizarre events involving Russell Westbrook unfolded this week.
Late Tuesday afternoon the Los Angeles Lakers were scheduled to have a video conference with reporters. As everyone got ready for it, abruptly, the session was cancelled without explanation.
Shortly thereafter Westbrook’s wife posted something of a cryptic message to social media.
The message largely speaks for itself:
Understandably, many immediately began to question whether a trade was in the works. In recent days Westbrook has been linked to several prospective deals: a 4-team deal, a trade with the Utah Jazz and another with the Miami Heat.
Compounding the questions is the fact that Westbrook recently put his Los Angeles home up on the market as though he is preparing to make a speedy exit.
Obviously none of this means that he for sure is getting dealt, but there is a reason why speculation is running rampant on Wednesday.
This also isn’t the first time in recent months that Westbrook’s wife’s social media activity has led to a media firestorm. Her combative online activity is a matter of public record.
Westbrook was acquired by the Lakers last summer in hopes of forming an unstoppable three-headed monster with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Championship expectations followed.
Unfortunately, L.A. was awful from start to finish and couldn’t even make the playoffs. Westbrook struggled playing alongside James on the court and beefed with fans off it.
Over the last few weeks he has repeatedly lashed out at the Lakers on social media and displayed various undeniable red flags.
By any objective measure, the Lakers were worse with Westbrook than they were without him. A separation would be in everyone’s best interests.
That’s quite the Joe Burrow outfit. https://t.co/DLZpo3wbyL
— Game 7 (@game7__) September 21, 2022
Will all parties involved be able to work out a trade before the beginning of the 2022-23 NBA season?
Time will tell.
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Charles Kruger has been credentialed to cover two Super Bowls, four NBA Finals, and one World Series. A 20-year veteran in the sports world, he has sources spanning the NBA, MLB, NFL, UFC and NASCAR. Currently residing in Los Angeles, Calif., he is Game 7’s go-to source for rumors surrounding the Lakers, Clippers and Dodgers.
