Legendary coach Phil Jackson, who guided the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships in the 2000s, allegedly advised that LeBron James should be traded as the team moves forward after a disappointing season.
Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times reported that the 76-year-old former Lakers head coach suggested that LeBron James be traded from the team. The reporter also claimed that Phil Jackson had advised the Lakers to keep Russel Westbrook and "try to make it work with him."
Experts and fans blame the Lakers' frustrating season on Westbrook's lack of chemistry with fellow superstars James and Anthony Davis.
Though, sports analysts see that the only way Westbrook won't be traded is if the team's next head coach devises a strategy for blending him into the offense and makes a solid case to management to keep him on the team, considering that the ace guard has one year and $47 million left on his contract.
Jeanie Buss Seeks Jackson's Guidance in Rebuilding the Team
"The Zen Master," who coached all-time basketball greats Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O' Neal, has a great influence on the Lakers and has close ties with its owner Jeanie Buss, his former fiance.
Even though Buss has admitted to approaching Jackson for guidance, there is no proof that he has ultimate authority in personnel decisions or an actual designation within the organization, per Yahoo! Sports.
While Jackson has an excellent coaching record, his executive judgments are questionable, according to Lakers Daily. He's also been known to be harsh on James, particularly while the four-time MVP was with the Miami Heat. He used to refer to that team's style of play as "Xbox," which he defines as "whatever those games are when you play 1-on-1."
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Which One Should Be Traded, an Aging James or a Struggling Westbrook?
If the Lakers let go of LeBron James, they are releasing one of the greatest basketball players in history, and it has been proven that "King James" contributes substantial numbers to the team and attracts audiences in games at Crypto.com Arena.
Despite his age of 37, James averaged 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game in his most recent season. However, Solomon Hill carelessly collided with the forward's ankle, causing him to miss the rest of the scheduled games.
Some analysts suggest the Lakers should trade Russell Westbrook and do everything in their ability to get as many 3-and-D players as possible this offseason.
After going into the luxury tax to bring in Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and other veterans last offseason, the James-led squad and its superstar-loaded roster failed expectations as they did not make it to the play-in tournament. Buss said she is "growing impatient" with "not getting the results" she desired, as per New York Post.
After the disappointing Lakers' 33-49 record, Buss enlisted Jackson and Lakers legend Magic Johnson to assist the team, and he's counting on the basketball geniuses to take the franchise forward.
Westbrook, who had one of the worst offensive seasons in his debut with the Lakers, was reportedly recruited heavily by James.
In April, the Lakers parted ways with head coach Frank Vogel, while James' contract will be up for renewal in August.
