Lakers star Russell Westbrook said he didn’t have a response to Magic Johnson‘s recent criticism of his team’s effort, Dave McMenamin of ESPN.com writes.
Johnson recently called out the team for a lack of enthusiasm, tweeting the following: “After being blown out by the Nuggets 133-96, we as Lakers fans can accept being outplayed but we deserve more than a lack of effort and no sense of urgency. Owner Jeanie Buss, you deserve better.” When asked to comment, Westbrook was blunt in his response.
“I do not have a reaction,” he said. “Everybody is entitled, in this world, to their opinion. Regardless of what that it is. You can either take it and run with it or you can take it and put it in one ear and out the other or you cannot respond to it.
“Magic’s entitled to his opinion. And he’s not here every day. He’s not around us every day. He’s not aware of what’s going on internally with us and trying to figure things out. But I have no response to that. … Like I said, everyone in this world is entitled to their opinion and that’s that.”
Johnson spent his entire 13-year career with the Lakers, making the All-Star team 11 times and winning five NBA titles. He was also the team’s president of basketball operations from February of 2017 to April of 2019.
Here are some other notes from the Pacific Division:
- Bill Oram of The Athletic further examines Johnson’s comments on the Lakers, noting that LeBron James has stayed publicly silent. Los Angeles has lost three straight games and owns just a 21-22 record. Anthony Davis has only played 27 games, while James has appeared in just 31.
- Clippers guard Xavier Moon is showing he belongs on the team, Mirjam Swanson of the Orange County Register writes. As Hoops Rumors first reported, Los Angeles signed Moon to a third 10-day hardship deal last week, choosing to keep him after his impressive play. “I love his pace, he knows how to play … to come to a team like this and perform the way he has, it shows he’s a good player and that he’s definitely making a case that he belongs,” head coach Tyronn Lue said. “So it’s just good to see. He has a skill set and he just needed an opportunity and the opportunity we’ve given him, he’s definitely taking advantage of it.”
- Suns center Deandre Ayton exited the team’s game against the Pistons early on Sunday, Duane Rankin of the Arizona Republic writes. Ayton suffered a right ankle sprain and didn’t return for the second half. It’s unclear how much time he may miss.
So when LBJ comes calling on CLEV this summer, what’s the likelihood that the owner Gilbert tell him. .. you know what Lebron, we’re ok.
I thought about that recently and asked some Cleveland people that question and was told Gilbert and CLEVELAND would welcome him back with open arms… too much money could be made in Cleveland – especially downtown – to NOT have him back. It’s pretty much always been a foregone conclusion that he and his son would suit up in a Cavs uniform before he retired anyway.
I’m not going to pretend to know what Cleveland’s cap sheet looks like in order to make that happen, but I would imagine that would play a big part in it happening (or not).
But assuming for the sake of argumen that Cleveland could just absorb his salary (or he takes a paycut) without giving up anyone of note, that would give them a starting 5 of:
Garland
Rubio
James
Mobley
Allen
…assuming that Sexton walks (or is sign and traded), which I think will happen regardless.
I don’t know if that’s really enticing me to leave LA and Anthony Davis if I’m LeBron.
I guess there’s a chance Garland or Mobley make a leap into superstardom, but LeBron’s MO has never been “maybe these young guys will develop” to date. It’s been “let’s package every future asset for [insert win now superstar]” and I’m not sure why Cleveland would mortgage its future for a late 30s LeBron.
Let me rephrase your long winded post … you know what Lebron, we’re ok.
Point was it makes little sense for *either* side. But, uh, thanks for the “rephrase”.
Love’s expiring gets them 80% on a match
Would be an easy trade to do if LBJ wanted it
Ofc Cle would want it as well
If LeBron leaves the Lakers like this his career will have a major black mark and his goat status takes a big time hit. Could you imagine him leaving and going to a nice strong young Cavaliers team?
The captain bailing on his sinking ship is not a good look. I say he stays and tries to fix this with a better roster somehow.
Cavs are only committed to about $57m in 23/24, assuming they keep Okoro. A max for Garland, sub- maxxes for LJ and another guard… doable. Basically LJ can get Love’s money, just not a max at 40+ yo. Won’t have to play center.
BTW: By then, Mobley & Garland will be AS, Sexton & Allen dynamic, tho the team could use a bigger guard.
LJ’s contact ends in 2023, so he would have to first sign a one-year with Lakers for that scenario above to happen. That would then be a signal to the Cavs to leave capspace, to go year with a shorted roster to have room.
If LJ wants a max, well… no to a 5-year plan. Maybe one of his 1+1s! And then getting Junior. It is a lot to coordinate and likely, sacrifice.
Oh whatever. The future.
its so damn obvious to lakers fans that don’t even really watch Westbrook game.
On defensive possession
Westbrook left his opponent wild open and was trying to grab rebounds.
On offensive possession, he wants the ball ….
Lakers are doomed ….
LBJ back on the Cavs would be interesting for sure from a storyline standpoint. But it’s not like that team would have a legitimate shot at a title unless one of the current yutes emerged as more than a fringe All Star… they’d need a Top-10 player at this stage of his career.
And for him to play with Bronny he has to last 3 more years. Would be great for marketing.
“Westbrook has no response.” Responds with 10 sentences.