“Jeanie Buss has done this for a long time…her daddy taught her well” Skip Bayless buries all claims of Lakers sacrificing future picks to get rid of Russell Westbrook
Follow Us
Skip Bayless on Los Angeles Lakers Owners
After the horrific 2022 NBA Season, many expected a quick fix in and around Los Angeles Lakers, starting with Russell Westbrook. They did replace the head coach to start with, but then there have been all rumors and no big name signing to change their fortune. After hiring new coach Darvin Ham this offseason, the hopes are high that Los Angeles can get back on track and make a playoff push. The organization remains active in its efforts to improve the roster, but lack of trade assets and Jeanie Buss’ unwillingness to sacrifice any future pick has made doing so difficult.
The only big name that the Lakers have shown strong interest in is Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving, it has been reported that the team isn’t willing to trade its future draft selections. On “Skip and Shannon: Undisputed,” analyst Skip Bayless said it’s clear that Jeanie Buss isn’t willing to mortgage the team’s future for the present.
The 70-year-old analyst explains the Lakers stand, “She’s not going to give up draft picks that are five and seven years out there. Her point is, ‘I’ve been doing this for a long time. My daddy taught me well. I can’t give you my future for your present.”
Jeanie Buss, Lakers ready to sabotage their future picks?
There’s been plenty of speculation and rumors surrounding the Lakers this offseason. One of the biggest names thrown around in rumors has been veteran guard Russell Westbrook. In reality, he is the only big trade chip available for the Lakers, as they are not looking to part ways from their 2020 Championship pair, LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Also Read: “Luka Doncic is probably top 1 or 2” Mark Cuban hails his ‘Best Invested’ $37 Million Mavs star
After being acquired last offseason via a trade with the Washington Wizards, Westbrook looked a completely different player altogether. Former MVP and Scoring leader struggled on both ends. He averaged 18.5 points per season, his least productions since his rookie years. So, it was expected by the fans that the Franchise will replace him with a stronger alternative.
Nets’ Irving was a better option while Rockets John Wall was also available in the market for the exact position. Lakers opted for 2016 Champion Kyrie, just for his history with Franchise megastar LeBron James. But the Nets’ requested to add some future picks in the deal, to which the Lakers refused.
The problem with that is that 17-time NBA Champions Lakers have already moved a number of future picks already. Any future capital would most likely be after superstars like LeBron James would be gone from the team. That means it could be a risky proposition for Jeanie Buss and the Lakers organization to gamble on the uncertain immediate future of the team.
For now, it looks as if Westbrook and the Lakers will run it back for another season. If the team is healthy, they are very much capable of making a deep run in the postseasons. Meanwhile, Jeanie will be hoping to land another future megastar like Kobe Bryant or Magic Johnson that led them to the 10-NBA titles in the Buss era.
Also Read: “This ain’t over” WNBA star Kelsey Plum plotting revenge after being trolled by the commissioner
Stay Updated!
Kunal Chawda
(600 Articles Published)