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The LA Lakers finished the preseason with a 1-5 record, with coach Darvin Ham using six different starting lineups. Analyst Shannon Sharpe didn't buy into the preseason theme and called the Lakers the worst in the practice games.
After a surprising lull in Russell Westbrook trade rumors, things could get back to normal as the LA Lakers can now resume trade talks. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the team will reopen trade negotiations involving the former MVP.
Dennis Schroder could miss a significant amount of time with a hand injury. The German international was expected to be a key piece of the team’s rotation. So, losing him to injury could be a huge hit.
Shannon Sharpe calls out the Lakers’ performance against the Sacramento Kings
NBA analyst Shannon Sharpe was critical of the manner in which the LA Lakers constructed their roster. After watching the Lakers’ sixth and final preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, the three-time Super Bowl winner tweeted his frustration:
“Ain’t no way I’m about to be staying up watching the Lakers bulljive this yr. Don’t care it’s a preseason gm. No other tms look this bad in the preseason.”
Darvin Ham opened the game with a new starting five, a trend that continued throughout the preseason. Anthony Davis didn't play as he continues to deal with back tightness, while Russell Westbrook came off the bench.
LA looked flat and disengaged right from the get-go, trailing the Kings 36-23 after the first quarter. The Lakers lost 133-86. Yes, it was a preseason game, but most of the team’s issues from last season were on full display against Sacramento.
The LA Lakers had an awful preseason in their last campaign and it extended to the regular season. They can only hope that will not be the case when the new season starts.
LA Lakers to resume trade talks involving Russell Westbrook
After a lull in Russell Westbrook trade rumors, things are expected to start buzzing again as the preseason games are now over. On ESPN's "NBA Today," Adrian Wojnarowski had this to report:
“The Lakers at some point here will start engaging teams again on possible Russell Westbrook trades. They paused it essentially at the start of training camp. And I think typically most teams, it gets a little quiet here as teams are putting their rosters together.
"Making their cuts and then seeing what it looks like playing preseason games."
He continued:
“The Lakers, still armed with those two first-round picks. Future first-round picks and Westbrook’s expiring contract, would like to go out and improve this team certainly before the trade deadline. I think you can expect them to start canvassing again at some point once the regular season starts.”
During the LA Lakers’ last preseason game against the Sacramento Kings, Darvin Ham brought the former MVP off the bench. It was the first time Westbrook hadn't started a game since 2008. He exited the game due to a potential left hamstring injury.
The drama and anticipation continues for Lakers fans about whether Westbrook will still be with the team.
Dennis Schroder’s injury could sideline him for quite some time
Dennis Schroder’s unfinished business with the LA Lakers will have to wait a few more weeks after the point guard injured his finger. The Athletic's Shams Charania reported the Lakers’ concern on this issue:
"The Lakers do have some worry that this could be a long-term injury for him."
Schroder hasn’t had a good time since signing with the LA Lakers. It took him a while to return to the U.S. due to visa issues. He partly missed training camp and a couple of preseason games before injuring his finger.
Before the injury, the German international was supposed to give Russell Westbrook competition for the point guard spot. Schroder would have had the chance to be the starting point guard as Darvin Ham has realigned the former MVP to the bench.
Without Schroder, and if Ham continues to use Westbrook off the bench, Kendrick Nunn could get the starting point guard role.
The Lakers were excited to have Dennis Schroder on board after his incredible showing at EuroBasket 2022. They can only hope that they get that version of Schroder once he returns from injury.
