Los Angeles Lakers have sought to deal with Russell Westbrook since the previous season’s trade deadline, and that hasn’t changed recently. As a player, Westbrook struggled to adjust to a new position with the Lakers, as they finished the 2021-22 NBA season with a 33-49 record, missing the Playoffs.
As difficult as it has been for the Lakers to get rid of Westbrook, a proposal involving the former MVP and the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Kyrie Irving has emerged since the start of open-market free agency. LeBron James and Irving had their most successful season together at Cleveland Cavaliers.
Now, Daevin Ham’s side aim to renew their old friendship in order to compete for a title once again. However, while the Lakers’ trade speculations swirl, their head coach remains steadfast in his belief in his present group of players.
What Darvin Ham said on Lakers’ squad
“We love everyone on our roster. And until you’re not on our roster, you’re ours and we’re going to try to get better with the group that we have. That’s just the bottom line of it. I don’t know a player that’s come through this league in my 26 years that hasn’t had their name part of a trade rumor a time or two.
“But, it is what it is. It’s the nature of the beast of our business. And so, again, the guys we have on our roster I’m very thankful for, I’m proud of and we want to maximize everything they can do to help us get to that ultimate goal.”
Ham said to the reporters during the Lakers’ most recent Summer League game
