LeBron James reportedly admits ‘misjudging’ Lakers’ failed Russell Westbrook trade

Russell Westbrook had a difficult two seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers before being traded to neighbours, the LA Clippers.

LeBron James reportedly admits ‘misjudging’ Lakers’ failed Russell Westbrook trade

Russell Westbrook (Left) and LeBron James (Right) (via ESPN)

In his illustrious NBA career, LeBron James has experienced numerous regrets and made both big and small mistakes. However, recent reports unveil a specific one involving his former teammate and MVP, Russell Westbrook.

On August 6th, 2021, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook in a trade with the Washington Wizards, exchanging him for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and the draft rights to Isaiah Jackson. Remarkably, this marked Westbrook’s third trade, and joining the Lakers became his fourth team in just three years.

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The anticipated partnership of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook failed to produce favorable results on the court, leading to a less-than-stellar season for Westbrook with the Lakers. And according to ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, sources said:

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Every member of the organization involved in the Russell Westbrook trade, including LeBron James will admit they misjudged it, owning part of the blame.
Dave McMenamin of ESPN

Traded on February 9, 2023, to the Utah Jazz in a three-team deal involving the Minnesota Timberwolves, Russell Westbrook maintained averages of 15.9 points, 7.5 assists, and 6.2 rebounds with the Lakers. Following this trade, on February 20, Westbrook and the Utah Jazz swiftly reached a contract buyout agreement, resulting in him not participating in any games for the team. Just two days later, on February 22, 2023, Westbrook signed with the Los Angeles Clippers, marking a reunion with his former Thunder teammate Paul George. Notably, he appeared “rejuvenated” after joining the Clippers.

[related_section] Russell Westbrook breaks silence on playing in ‘James Harden system’ and coming off bench for Clippers [/related_section]

LA Lakers owner Jeanie Buss on Russell Westbrook’s time with the Lakers

When former MVP Russell Westbrook joined the Lakers from the Washington Wizards in 2021, there were high expectations. However, things didn’t unfold as planned, and according to a report, the Lakers’ owner attributed the setbacks to then-head coach Sam Vogel.

Russell Westbrook and Jeanie Buss
Russell Westbrook and Los Angeles Lakers owner, Jeanie Buss (via Open Source/X)

In an article by Sam Amick of the Athletic, which primarily centered on the current head coach, Darvin Ham, there was a notable reference to the Westbrook situation that contributed to the departure of the previous coach.

Unlike the Vogel situation, where Buss was known to believe the former coach was largely to blame for the failed integration of Russell Westbrook and ultimately greenlighted his April 2022 firing as a result, all signs point to the Lakers’ most important decision-maker standing by the coach, who is in the second year of a four-year deal.
Sam Amick of The Athletic

Playing primarily from the bench this season with the Clippers, he is averaging 10.9 points, 6.1 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game.

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