3 actions to take following the NBA Draft

Russell Westbrook

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 05: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Los Angeles Lakers NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

If the Los Angeles Lakers want to improve their chances of winning the NBA Championship next season, they should consider making one of the following three moves following the NBA Draft:

The Los Angeles Lakers made some changes after finishing 11th in the Western Conference last season. These included the firing of head coach Frank Vogel and the replacement of him with Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham. Lakers fans are waiting to see what general manager Rob Pelinka does this offseason.

The Lakers will have one second-round pick in the NBA Draft thanks to a trade with the Orlando Magic. However, the team has plenty of time to make some moves after the event is over.

Here are three moves the team should seriously consider after the NBA Draft. It is important to note that not all of these must occur. They are the Lakers’ individual options.

3. If the Lakers can, they should trade Russell Westbrook.

This could be a challenge for the Lakers.

The Lakers made a blockbuster trade with the Washington Wizards last season to acquire Russell Westbrook in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and their 2021 first-round pick.

The Lakers were supposed to have a super team of Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis after being eliminated in the first round by the Phoenix Suns the previous season.

The move backfired, as Westbrook struggled throughout the season. It didn’t help that the team was dealing with a slew of injuries, including James and Davis.

Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 78 games, while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 29.8 percent from three.

Moving on from Westbrook will be difficult, especially if reports that the Lakers are unwilling to trade future first-round picks to get his contract off the books are true.

However, if they can find a team that is interested in Westbrook and will not require them to give up future draft capital, they should consider it. Perhaps a team similar to the Charlotte Hornets?

Again, the front office in Los Angeles will face a difficult task. Westbrook is expected to return to the Lakers for the 2022-23 season.

The Los Angeles Lakers should think about making one of these three changes after the NBA Draft if they want to improve their chances of winning the NBA Championship the following season.

After placing 11th in the Western Conference last season, the Los Angeles Lakers decided to make some adjustments. These involved removing head coach Frank Vogel and installing Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham in his place. Lakers fans are excited to see what general manager Rob Pelinka does this offseason.

The Lakers hold a second-round pick in the NBA Draft that they acquired in a trade with the Orlando Magic. Nevertheless, the squad will have plenty of time to prepare after the event is over.

Here are three actions the team should at the very least think about taking after the NBA Draft. It’s important to remember that not all of these must occur. The Lakers can choose from each of them separately.

3. If the Lakers can, they should trade Russell Westbrook

For the Lakers, this might be challenging.

In a sensational deal with the Washington Wizards last season, the Los Angeles Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and their 2021 first-round selection.

Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis were to form the Lakers’ super squad after they were eliminated by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the previous season.

Westbrook battled all season as a result of the decision, which was unsuccessful. The fact that the club was faced with a number of injuries, particularly those to James and Davis, did not help at all.

Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game while shooting 44.4 percent from the field and 29.8 percent from beyond the arc in 78 games.

It will be challenging to let Westbrook go, particularly if allegations that the Lakers are unwilling to deal future first-round picks to release him from his contract are accurate.

However, they ought to take into account if they can locate a team that is sufficiently interested in Westbrook and where they won’t have to forfeit future draft resources. A group like the Charlotte Hornets, perhaps?

Once more, the Los Angeles front office will have a difficult task. Westbrook is likely to stay with the Lakers through the 2022–23 campaign.


Malik Monk

Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images

2.Keep Malik Monk if you can

Rob Pelinka’s offseason efforts to assemble a group that may win the NBA championship for the second time in three years were filled with swings and misses. However, it was generally agreed that the signing of Malik Monk was their best move.

Monk, formerly the Charlotte Hornets’ 11th overall choice, agreed to a $1.8 million contract with the Lakers for the 2021–2022 season.

Given that Monk enjoyed the best season of his career, the one-year deal ended up being a steal for the Lakers.

Monk averaged 13.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 76 games (37 starts), while shooting 47.3 percent overall.For Monk, each of those figures represented a career-high.

Monk has the chance to make money now that he is eligible for free agency. The mid-level exemption would allow the Lakers to sign him even though they won’t have much money to work with.

The Lakers may have trouble getting Monk, though, because other NBA teams may offer him a higher salary.

It wouldn’t hurt to make an effort to persuade Monk to remain.


Nets rumors, Kyrie Irving

Apr 25, 2022; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving (11) reacts during the second quarter of game four of the first round of the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

1.Buy Kyrie Irving… on the open market

The Lakers’ ability to advance out of the Western Conference and into the NBA Finals next season may be improved the most by doing this. That action was the Brooklyn Nets’ acquisition of Kyrie Irving.

The Brooklyn Nets and the star are reportedly unable to agree on a new contract after signing Irving to create a super squad alongside Kevin Durant.

Irving now has a list of prospective sign-and-trade destinations if he and the Nets are unable to come to an agreement on a new contract. The Lakers are one of the groups.

The problem is that the Lakers lack the resources to get Irving through a deal with the Nets. However, there is concern in Brooklyn that Irving would decide to sign for the mid-level exception to play for the Lakers, as ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted on “Get Up.”

It will be interesting to see whether it occurs. But the Lakers ought to take such action if it becomes a real option for them. They will become a better team if Irving joins them and plays for the duration of the season. Read More