Lakers Rumors: 'Finger Pointing' for Russell Westbrook Trade; Pelinka Not on Hot Seat

Multiple people within the Los Angeles Lakers organization have reportedly attempted to pass the buck to some degree for the ill-fated decision to trade for Russell Westbrook in 2021.

As part of a Q&A session Friday on YouTube (beginning at the 1:01:30 mark of the video), Jovan Buha of The Athletic discussed the trade and how the fallout has been handled by those still with the organization:

"My understanding is yes, I think there's been accountability for the Russ trade," Buha said. "I also think there's been some finger pointing from all sides. There's several parties involved, several parties to blame. Obviously, the stars were involved with it, but the front office and ownership ultimately signed off on it and executed the trade. I think there's a lot of blame to go around for the Russ situation, and I think everyone's done a combination of taking accountability, but also finger pointing."

While the Lakers won a championship in 2020 with LeBron James and Anthony Davis leading the way, they experienced a first-round playoff exit the following season, which prompted the front office to make a big move.

In hopes of creating a "Big 3" headlined by LeBron and AD, the Lakers acquired Westbrook in a trade with the Washington Wizards, sending them Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Kyle Kuzma and Montrezl Harrell.

Although Westbrook is a nine-time All-Star, one-time NBA MVP and likely future Hall of Famer, he never fit in with the Lakers, averaging 17.4 points, 7.2 assists and 6.9 rebounds per game over two seasons in L.A., while shooting just 43.4 percent from the field and 29.7 percent from beyond the arc.

In Westbrook's only full season with the Lakers, they went 33-49 and missed the playoffs. His role was reduced the following season and he was traded before the deadline. L.A. then went all the way to the Western Conference Finals.

Buha expressed his belief that winning a championship followed by the Western Conference Finals run likely resulted in Lakers ownership giving general manager Rob Pelinka some grace and not terminating him for the Westbrook misfire.

Additionally, Buha noted that Pelinka has a "really good" relationship with owner Jeanie Buss and there are no plans to part ways with him.

James and Davis continue to be the Lakers' core, and while a third superstar has continued to be elusive, L.A. does have a solid supporting cast led by D'Angelo Russell, Austin Reaves and rookie first-round pick Dalton Knecht.

All of that has led to a strong 10-5 start for the Lakers this season, which is good for fourth place in the Western Conference.

Of course, the Lakers could revisit a trade for a star prior to this season's deadline if something becomes available, but they will also likely be mindful of what happened with Westbrook and perhaps be more selective in terms of only pulling the trigger on a deal if they are an ideal fit alongside James and Davis.