Lakers News: Fans Losing Patience With Russell Westbrook Ahead Of Trade Deadline

Does LA care?

Following last night's impressive 112-111 road comeback win against the Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Lakers fans had one big overwhelming refrain for ownership and the team's front office: "Trade Russ."

Russell Westbrook, the club's $47.1 million sixth man, had a brutal game in the LA victory. The 6'3" point guard did record a 10-point, 10-assist double-double in 32:09 off the bench, but he scored his 10 points while shooting a miserable 2-of-16 from the field and a fine 6-of-8 from the charity stripe.

In response to an Anthony Davis quote claiming that the Lakers hoped to avoid the play-in tournament this year, fan Kyle Rinker prescribed his recipe for success:

If they trade Russ for 1-2 shooters then I think it’s definitely possible https://t.co/bWO0mnqoMq

— Kyle Rinker (@Kyrinker) February 3, 2023

Another astute fan responded that Westbrook recorded more turnovers (four) than field goals (the aforementioned two) last night.

trade russ bro had more turnovers than fg tn. “win lose or draw, just have fun”

— aquatis (@aquatis8) February 3, 2023

Fan account voted that LA not stop at offloading Westbrook's expiring money, but also the $13 million contract of 6'1" starting shooting guard Patrick Beverley. LA could get a ton of solid players for their combined $60.1 million, but of course to do that the team would most likely need to include both of its unprotected future first round draft picks.

Pat and Russ need to be moved by the deadline.

— Laker Central (@LakerCentral365) February 3, 2023

Another fan whose name poked fun at team governor Jeanie Buss noted that LA fan Twitter was all-in on dealing Brodie:

One fan voiced their optimism that offloading Westbrook for a high-quality thee-point shooter could help LA contend:

Bro, this team has potential if they trade Russ. The lakers thrived when playing big + 2 shooters before bringing on Russ. Bron at point, trade for a shooter, rui, AD and Bryant at the 5 is enough to contend in this weak west. Russ kills the momentum every single time.

— Barii (@tajudiin23) February 3, 2023

Another fan went straight to the source:

Trade Russ please

— Evan Sabah Nur (@VillainRises) February 3, 2023

I feel like LA could get better value than this, but what do I know?

I’d trade Russ for a cucumber Gatorade and a circle K hotdog

— Vinsmoke Stepper (@JanzHelli) February 3, 2023

Then of course, there were the Tweets Of Few Words:

trade russ

— depek (@pikaaacuk) February 3, 2023

Etc.:

TRADE RUSS NOW

— II (@sup3rmari0o6) February 3, 2023

LA should move Westbrook's expiring deal for shooting or wing defense. But will it? The team has until February 9th to do so.