The top priority for the Los Angeles Lakers entering the NBA offseason seemed clear: trade Russell Westbrook. After the emergence of Kyrie Irving in trade rumors became a prevalent storyline, there became an out viable for the team to capitalize. Only, no deal has yet to transpire, and it’s looking increasingly likely that “Uncle Drew” will start the 2022-23 season with the Brooklyn Nets.

The Lakers have been unwilling to part with future draft assets just to dump Westbrook’s contract in a trade since it wouldn’t be a clean solution. There is a case for addition by subtraction. However, if there is a deal that has legitimate ways to improve the team, it’ll be considered. Based on the current landscape, that type of a deal doesn’t seem to be out there.

According to Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, the Lakers’ Big 3 — LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook — recently talked on the phone on a three-way call to express their commitment to each other and to get on the same page.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ Big 3 of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook huddled up on a phone conversation the first weekend of NBA Summer League in Las Vegas with each expressing their commitment to one another and vowing to make it work, league sources told Yahoo Sports.

While the uncertainty of Westbrook’s future with the Lakers remains, the conversation was organized to make sure all three were on the same page as long as they’re joined together in their pursuit of a championship, sources said.

The problem with putting any stock into a phone conversation is that, quite frankly, it doesn’t matter. A critical issue the Lakers dealt with throughout last season was a lack of accountability from Westbrook and his general inability to fit in. Some of that is deliberate on his part while some is just a natural limitation that comes with his skill-set. Regardless, it doesn’t work.

Westbrook has shown that he isn’t interested in defending at a high level despite having the tools to do so. He loses players off the ball, leaves shooters open so he can grab rebounds, and doesn’t do much for dribble containment. Offensively, he still is reckless with the basketball and is just outright inefficient in initiating the offense while being an off-ball liability.

LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMORS: Russell Westbrook Wants To Leave Los Angeles Lakers, Agent Sever Ties Over It

Again, the underlying issue here is the Los Angeles Lakers were counting on Russell Westbrook to adapt his game to fit in alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. He’s either incapable, unwilling, or there’s some element of both at play. Either way, a phone call doesn’t change anything.

The Los Angeles Lakers still will shop Russell Westbrook and see if they can improve the roster. It remains the best option they have at their disposal given the limitations of his fit with the team.

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