The 2021-22 season was an unmitigated disaster for the Los Angeles Lakers. They came into the season with sky-high expectations as they were among the favorites to win the NBA Finals.
Los Angeles didn’t come close to fulfilling those expectations, as they failed to even qualify for the NBA Play-In Tournament in the Western Conference.
The one thing that people will point to as the biggest reason for the team’s shortcomings was the acquisition of Russell Westbrook. Rob Pelinka took a major risk trading for Westbrook as the former MVP’s skill set was an awkward match alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
A lot of people are asking what could have been for the Lakers this season had they gone in a different direction in the offseason.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Lakers Look To Trade Russell Westbrook To Thunder?
Acquiring Westbrook cost them all of their best assets in draft capital and trades. Had they gone in a different direction, the roster would have been in much better shape.
One of the players that looked destined to end up in Los Angeles was DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan ultimately ended up with the Chicago Bulls via sign-and-trade, but it was his hometown Los Angeles Lakers where many, including Magic Johnson, thought that he would end up.
“When Magic talks, you always get a sense that there’s a lot of disarray, there’s a lot of problems, there’s no cohesion with the people who make decisions with the Lakers,” Youngmisuk said. “Magic has a longtime relationship with DeMar DeRozan’s agent Aaron Goodwin. They go back over two decades, they are very tight. Have they had their ups and downs? Yes, but that’s another story for another day. But basically, Magic is saying I brought them DeMar DeRozan and they could’ve had DeMar DeRozan, and whatever happened it didn’t work out and they ended up with Russell Westbrook.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Lakers Look To Trade Russell Westbrook To Thunder?
Los Angeles traded Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and a first-round pick to acquire Westbrook. DeRozan wouldn’t have cost nearly as much and since his contract isn’t as large as Westbrook’s, it would have enabled the front office to make other moves.
Retaining Alex Caruso would have been more attainable, as he was a great fit alongside James given his 3-point shooting and defense. Turning to trade for Westbrook gave the impression that the Los Angeles Lakers didn’t have a plan, which DeMar DeRozan’s camp came away feeling after their meeting.
“I talked to someone from DeRozan’s camp when DeRozan was in town in LA and he basically stuck it to the Lakers. And the impression that I got from his camp was that DeRozan felt that the Lakers were in sort of disarray, they didn’t have a vision, they didn’t know what they were doing. And the Clippers, to Bobby (Marks’) point, didn’t have much to offer at all. But if they did and could’ve pulled something off and paid him and maybe done a sign-and-trade, DeRozan’s camp actually was impressed with the Clipper vision. Not to say he would’ve ended up there, but he did want to be in LA. And, of course, things worked out in Chicago.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Could Lakers Look To Trade Russell Westbrook To Thunder?
That is certainly not something a franchise wants to hear from someone they looked into bringing on board, but that is where the Los Angeles Lakers currently are. The roster is a mess and there doesn’t seem to be a concrete plan in place to get things back on track.
Better health would certainly help, as a lot of key players missed large chunks of the season. Figuring out a plan is imperative though, as this team will look a lot different next season than it does coming down the stretch of this season.
