Halfway through the 2021-22 season, the Lakers' performance is still struggling, and the 9th All-Star Westbrook is regarded by many as the root of the Lakers' struggle. The Lakers spent half a season trying more than 20 different starting lineups, trying to cover up Wei Shao's projection problems and let him show the threat of rushing into the box as much as possible, but the effect was not ideal, Wei Shao's offensive limitations would still hurt the team at key moments, and some of his irrational shooting choices would still make the Lakers pay the price of losing the game.
This season, Westbrook averaged 18.7 points, 8.2 rebounds and 8.1 assists per game, shooting 43.7% from the field and 28.8% from three-point range, and since entering 2022, Westbrook has not hit three-pointers, totaling 0-of-15 shooting. In addition, Wei Shao has not scored in double figures in 3 consecutive games, and has made a total of 8 of 40 shots in the last 3 games, becoming a typical representative of high salary and low energy this season.
What makes many Lakers fans feel even more distressed is that Kuzma, who was one of the chips to get Westbrook in the trade, recently played an All-Star performance. In the last nine games, Kuzma has averaged 25.7 points, 11.1 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game, shooting 54% from the field, and his 2K ability has risen to 82, while Wei Shao has dropped to 81!
Many US media have suggested that the Lakers explore all the solutions that can trade Westbrook, such as exchanging Westow for Simmons, exchanging Westbrook for Grant + Olynyk, and even some people have suggested exchanging Westbrook for Wall again.
It's just that the above deal plans are not very realistic, just broke up with Westbrook for a year and a half, the Rockets who are in the process of rebuilding will not be interested in Westbrook, the Pistons are obviously not fools, without two first-round picks, it is impossible to send Grant + Olynyk, as for Simmons to change Westbrook, it is even more impossible! Sam Amick specifically wrote an article about the possibility of a deal between Simmons and Westbrook, making it clear that the 76ers have no interest in Westbrook and have no interest in helping the Lakers alleviate the poor compatibility problems of the Big Three.
However, despite being in the center of the whirlpool and being criticized by the outside world, Wei Shao did not change his original intention. In a recent interview, Wei Shao said that he did not regret joining the Lakers, still happy to stay in the Lakers, play for the hometown team, can see his family every day, accompany his children to grow, which is more important than basketball.
Speaking about his situation with the Lakers, Wei Shao said: "My role has been changing, the one who has to make the biggest sacrifice in the team, and I can understand that. I had to find a way to do my best for this team. We haven't found the answer yet, but we did change the way we played together. ”
Talking about being caught up in trading rumors, Wei Shao said that regardless of whether the transaction will happen or not, his mentality and goals will not change, and he has a more important goal than basketball in his heart, which is the top priority.
The Lakers are currently 21 wins and 21 losses, ranking 7th in the West, if they don't want to play the playoffs, the goal is still to compete for the championship, must make changes, really use the advantages of Westbrook, let him integrate into the team's system, we will wait and see!