LA Lakers have been most active this off-season and made significant changes to their roster. The one that stands out is the trade with the Washington Wizards to acquire All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook. The Lakers now have their own big three.
However, the latest rumours suggest a downside to this trade that might cost the LA Lakers. LeBron James, Anthony Davis met with Westbrook weeks before the trade and fans aren’t happy about it.
LA Lakers in trouble with the NBA over recent rumours
Reporting with @RamonaShelburne on ESPN: The NBA has opened up investigations into possible tampering violations involving two sign-and-trade deals completed in free agency: New Orleans and Chicago centered on Lonzo Ball, and Toronto and Miami centered on Kyle Lowry. Story soon.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) August 7, 2021
The Russell Westbrook trade is probably the biggest trade that took place this offseason. The former MVP played with the Wizards and Bradley Beal after being traded there by the Houston Rockets. After having a rather disappointing run at the capital, Westbrook parted ways with Beal and the Wizards to join the Lakers.
Miami Heat star Trevor Ariza opened up about how Westbrook recruited him after heading west. Apparently, Westbrook called Ariza within twenty minutes of being traded to the Lakers. Ariza did not disclose much about their conversation on the phone. He knew the NBA is very strict when it comes to tampering and he was still with Miami when this happened.
Also read: NBA to Investigate Tampering Allegations in Kyle Lowry and Lonzo Ball Sign-and-Trade Deals
LeBron James, AD and Westbrook accused of tampering by fans
Apparently, the Lakers’ new Big Three met weeks before the Westbrook trade at LeBron James’ house. They discussed putting their individual egos aside and making a team effort to strive for a championship. Westbrook made it clear that his sole intention is winning a championship and being in LA which is his hometown.
James and Davis explained that they won’t mind changing positions if it benefitted the team. James would play at power forward and Davis would shift to the centre. Westbrook said that he won’t mind playing off-ball when James took initiative at the offence. He had already done this while with James Harden and the Houston Rockets.
All these rumours have led the fans to believe that the Lakers are responsible for tampering. The NBA is bound to investigate into this and the Lakers and its members might be fined as per NBA regulations.
Also read: Why Was Kevin Durant Called a Snake by NBA Fans?