THE TAKE
Incredible if the #Lakers turn a bunch of useful spare parts into Russell Westbrook. LeBron/AD/Westbrook is a legit answer to KD/Harden/Kyrie. Brooklyn Big 3 will shoot it better, Lakers Big 3 will defend better
#nba
BOLDNESS
7/100
GRADE
5/100
PLAYERS / TEAMS
LeBron JamesAnthony DavisRussell Westbrook
GRADING CRITERIA
TRUE IF
Lakers Big 3 with Westbrook proves competitive with Nets Big 3 in head-to-head matchups and playoffs;
FALSE IF
one trio clearly outperforms the other or if the roster construction doesn't work as claimed.
bold callhot takecontrarian
OUTCOME
CONFIRMED FALSEThe Lakers' Big 3 of LeBron/AD/Westbrook was a disaster — the trio played only 21 games together (going 11-10) due to injuries and poor fit, and the team finished 33-49, missing both the playoffs and play-in tournament entirely. The Westbrook acquisition was later named the worst trade in the NBA over the prior five years. Meanwhile, the Nets' Big 3 went 13-3 in their 16 games together before being broken up mid-season via the Harden trade. The Lakers' trio was not remotely competitive with the Nets' trio, and the defensive advantage Kellerman cited never materialized.