Vogel benched Westbrook: "Playing the guys that I thought were going to win the game”

[JB2]

Rob is too trigger happy and LeBron is too pushy. Bad combo for the glamour franchise always looking for star power. This move has ruined the title chances. All Lakers had to do was sit tight with the core that won the ring + smart additions likee Monk, Bradley, Dwight, Melo, Ariza. mMLE to Porter Jr instead of Nunn. Trezz + 1st could have been moved for something decent.

[PistolPeteJR]

Funny Lebron can't answer questions by the media, but can always run to his twitter.

LOL - guy's been pristine with the media generally speaking for over 19 years, including crazy attention by the media pre-NBA, and "LeBron can't answer questions by the media" when he decides he really has to go for once because he's got a life too.

Nice.

He also has a job. Post game media access is a requirement of the CBA. The same collective bargaining agreement that allows players to receive $200 million contracts also requires they be available to answer questions after the games. It's part the the job description of being a highly paid NBA player.

Technically, LeBron was briefly available, but ducked out early to avoid answering the question. So, he likely won't be fined for it, but excusing it because "he's got a life too" is lame. Everyone who works for a living has a life too, but how many of them get to duck out of work early because they want to go to the movies?

A job that he's been doing pristinely for over 19 years, like I said. He was there for 4 1/2 min last night and took himself out of it after the fact. There is nothing wrong with that. He is under no obligation to answer every single question directed his way in that very present moment, and he has a clean reputation of meeting the media where due and then some. One cannot ignore the immense amount of evidence that confirms all of that for an instance of, "Oh he ditched!!!!!!"

[BNM]

LOL - guy's been pristine with the media generally speaking for over 19 years, including crazy attention by the media pre-NBA, and "LeBron can't answer questions by the media" when he decides he really has to go for once because he's got a life too.

Nice.

He also has a job. Post game media access is a requirement of the CBA. The same collective bargaining agreement that allows players to receive $200 million contracts also requires they be available to answer questions after the games. It's part the the job description of being a highly paid NBA player.

Technically, LeBron was briefly available, but ducked out early to avoid answering the question. So, he likely won't be fined for it, but excusing it because "he's got a life too" is lame. Everyone who works for a living has a life too, but how many of them get to duck out of work early because they want to go to the movies?

I mean, he already apologized on Twitter for bringing in Westbrook and it would appear he gave Vogel the green-light to bench his bum ass.

What do you want him to do? Pull a Doc Rivers? The mistake is obvious and has been acknowledged and there really isn't much that the Lakers and LeGM can do about it unless the Kangz randomly decide to trade for him.

None of that changes the fact that media access is part of his job and he knows it. LeBron has been around the media long enough to come up with a diplomatic answer - if he wanted to. Instead, he chose "I'm going to the movies". He was the one who wanted Russ in the first place. He should be the one answering the questions that have resulted from that choice.

How about something like, "Russ is struggling right now, but we, as a team, need to figure this out. We have a roster full of veteran players and a coaching staff with championship experience. This isn't about any one player, we need to figure out how to be collectively better on both ends of the floor". Sure, it's a vague, rather generic answer, but at least it's an answer and doesn't throw anyone under the bus. Dodging the question with "I'm going to the movies with my wife" has much worse optics. It implies zero accountability and also comes across as not really giving a **** after a bad loss to at home to one of the worst teams in the league.

[queridiculo]

In Washington I honestly feel management was annoyed at Russ because even though the last month and a half fo the year were amazing and he got them into the playoffs the owners proabbly would have preffered a full tank strategy. Anyways the Lakers called them and Russ was happy to have a palce that wanted him and Washingotn was happy to move an asset that did play great for them but wasn't part of the long term plan.

You're right about the part I was already right about.

As a side note not only has Russ never demanded a trade he's also never gone out of his way to get a coach fired. Plays hard, supports his teammates, doesn't cause trouble... yet the audience hates him? Who knows?

Cannot speak on Houston, but you are wrong about Washington.

This is straight from the mouth of the Washington Wizards owner.

“We had a superstar player with the Wizards, he had an opportunity and wanted to be traded to the Lakers…And I was dealing with that as we were announcing Alex (Ovechkin). I couldn’t help but self-reflect on what a difference it is. Here’s a great player in Russell Westbrook, played in OKC, wanted to be traded, went to Houston, wanted to be traded, came to D.C., wanted to be traded and is now in L.A. He’s an unbelievably great person and an unbelievably great player. But that’s the difference between the NBA and the NHL, I suppose.”

Westbrook, that sneaky little bastard, apparently even went so far as to prod Beal to request a trade to make his exit easier to justify.

Good riddance, I am glad he's gone because I probably couldn't have stomached another season of his approach to basketball.

[theoilslick]

Westbrook’s season has been disappointing to say the least. His PER is 15.2 (tied career worst), his TS% is 50.2 (4th career worst), his BPM is -1.4 (career worst), and his VORP is 0.2 (career worst). WB is tied 226th with a Total RAPTOR of -3.5 and tied 235th with a WAR of -0.6.

And Domantas Sabonis throwing a triple double to ice the cake last night was hilarious. Sabonis is 8w-9l in regular season triple doubles. With TDs becoming so frequent has shown just how overrated they really were. Throw a perfect game in baseball, and that’s a gem. Get a triple double and that guarantees nothing.

[Lalouie]

they lost

[Synciere]

I know I'm on an island when I say I feel bad for Westbrook and the Lakers.

Not sure what made them think this would work. I briefly did until I looked at the cap situation in detail. They have no way to get better.

[PistolPeteJR]

He also has a job. Post game media access is a requirement of the CBA. The same collective bargaining agreement that allows players to receive $200 million contracts also requires they be available to answer questions after the games. It's part the the job description of being a highly paid NBA player.

Technically, LeBron was briefly available, but ducked out early to avoid answering the question. So, he likely won't be fined for it, but excusing it because "he's got a life too" is lame. Everyone who works for a living has a life too, but how many of them get to duck out of work early because they want to go to the movies?

I mean, he already apologized on Twitter for bringing in Westbrook and it would appear he gave Vogel the green-light to bench his bum ass.

What do you want him to do? Pull a Doc Rivers? The mistake is obvious and has been acknowledged and there really isn't much that the Lakers and LeGM can do about it unless the Kangz randomly decide to trade for him.

None of that changes the fact that media access is part of his job and he knows it. LeBron has been around the media long enough to come up with a diplomatic answer - if he wanted to. Instead, he chose "I'm going to the movies". He was the one who wanted Russ in the first place. He should be the one answering the questions that have resulted from that choice.

How about something like, "Russ is struggling right now, but we, as a team, need to figure this out. We have a roster full of veteran players and a coaching staff with championship experience. This isn't about any one player, we need to figure out how to be collectively better on both ends of the floor". Sure, it's a vague, rather generic answer, but at least it's an answer and doesn't throw anyone under the bus. Dodging the question with "I'm going to the movies with my wife" has much worse optics. It implies zero accountability and also comes across as not really giving a **** after a bad loss to at home to one of the worst teams in the league.

And he can answer those questions in his own time, not when you or I want, considering he has the clout very, very heavily in his favour as it pertains to how he has handled and continues to handle media throughout his entire career and then some.

Anyway, your opinion vs mine potentially here, and that's fine. Good day

[Kilroy]

It’s sad he finally got the balls to do it after being put on the hot seat. What a pussy.

What's sad is he just now got permission to do it... That the FO is dictating playing time...

[Kilroy]

they lost

True, but that's actually ironic in this situation, because Frank tried to put Russ back in the game in the 4th, but the Defense went to **** and he was bricking layups, so he had to pull him back out again and go with THT, who really had been playing well that game...

The real head-scratcher was that he also decided to roll with the other guy who's been terrible in the clutch all season... Melo, and let him proceed to brick us out of the game... they actually force-fed Melo... I don't think he made a shot in the 4th.

[TheLand13]

Vogel you remove one cancer but kept one in?

Carmelo Anthony has no business closing games. This guys IQ or lackthereof has been on full display since his decline started.

Anyone remember when he literally left Levert (who had the damn ball in his hands) to go look for a switch? He was a headless chicken that resulted in back to back threes from the Pacers. First Sabonis then Levert. Oh, not mention the constant targeting on defense for the whole stretch run.

Carmelo sucks, and he has for years. I don't know how this guy is still in the NBA, his only saving grace is that he can shoot. I'd never want this guy to be on my team.

Close the game with 3 shooters (That arent a complete liability on the defensive side), lebron, dwight and I guarantee they win that game.

If you think LeBron isn't complete liability on defensive end, especially when games comes down to last few minutes, I have bad news for you.

The difference is that we know for a fact that LeBron can and has been an elite defender. Hell, he's been second in DPOY voting twice and should have won the award in 2013. I've personally never seen Westbrook once demonstrate that he was capable of being, at best, a good defensive player.

[1bigfan13]

Read on Twitter

If I were an NBA coach I'd handle things a lot like Vogel. If my job is in jeopardy I'd much rather get fired for doing things MY WAY rather than get fired doing things the players' way.

Several years ago I said the same thing about Scott Brooks. I called him an idiot for not being firmer with the Thunder players and not holding them more accountable. But he chose to continue to look the other way when they played sloppy or didn't run plays that were called, nd it eventually cost him his job.

You can be more hands off and lenient if you have smarter, reliable players. But there's no way in hell I'm putting my career and livelihood in the hands of a poor decision maker like Westbrook. He's the kind of player who needs a firmer hand guiding him.

[Sedale Threatt]

Remember when Westbrook said Pat Beverley be fooling people into thinking he playing defense, he just be running around?

As a guy who used to watch at least 70 Westbrook games a year, I immediately said the same thing can be said about you, Russ.

People who only watch him a few times a year or thru highlights, assume he plays hard and hustles all the time. Nope.

He's on a bigger brighter stage now and all of his flaws are being exposed.

The only time he hustles and goes all out is when the ball is in his hands. Otherwise he mostly just stands and watches on offense. There's very little off ball movement from him. The same thing on defense. The only time he's mildly engaged is when his guy has the ball.

OKC coddled him too much and I honestly think it stunted his growth as a player, IMO. Because he really hasn't added anything to his game since around year 5. In fact he actually got a lot worse in some areas when he was in his prime. Very odd, but it points to a player who doesn't take to coaching very well and who chooses to march to the beat of his own drum.

This is pretty much where I'm at. I've always generally been a fan, but as you note, it's a far, far different experience watching this dude every night on your team, with actual hopes and expectations, than casually throughout the course of a season on another team that you don't care about. I've generally been a fan; I always respected the athleticism and the apparent effort level, at least. And he's obviously well past his prime at this point, so it's not a 1 to 1 comparison.

But I absolutely detest having him on my team. He's a low-IQ, ball-dominant player who is no longer good enough to deserve that responsibility but doesn't have the skills or humility to transition into a complementary role. I didn't think this was a good move when we made it, and it's probably been even worse than I was expecting. Watching him play every night has been an excruciating experience.

[TwoStarz]

Vogel you remove one cancer but kept one in?

Carmelo Anthony has no business closing games. This guys IQ or lackthereof has been on full display since his decline started.

Anyone remember when he literally left Levert (who had the damn ball in his hands) to go look for a switch? He was a headless chicken that resulted in back to back threes from the Pacers. First Sabonis then Levert. Oh, not mention the constant targeting on defense for the whole stretch run.

Carmelo sucks, and he has for years. I don't know how this guy is still in the NBA, his only saving grace is that he can shoot. I'd never want this guy to be on my team.

Close the game with 3 shooters (That arent a complete liability on the defensive side), lebron, dwight and I guarantee they win that game.

If you think LeBron isn't complete liability on defensive end, especially when games comes down to last few minutes, I have bad news for you.

The difference is that we know for a fact that LeBron can and has been an elite defender. Hell, he's been second in DPOY voting twice and should have won the award in 2013. I've personally never seen Westbrook once demonstrate that he was capable of being, at best, a good defensive player.

That poster doesn't understand situational defense. I'm no lebron fan but he absolutely knows how to lock up when needed on a possession. He understands time and possession better than anyone in the NBA. Obviously, that doesn't mean he doesn't take possessions off on defense, now more than ever at 37...

Its funny to blame Lebron for playing no Defense when the guy is carrying their offense. If lebron tanks the defense then Westbrook can't play neither, he tanks both.

[Sedale Threatt]

I know I'm on an island when I say I feel bad for Westbrook and the Lakers.

Not sure what made them think this would work. I briefly did until I looked at the cap situation in detail. They have no way to get better.

This is generally what happens when you're building around an aging star like LeBron, but no question we have totally painted ourselves into the corner. Which, again, is the deal. But when you get into said corner and realize you've chosen the completely wrong color scheme, it sucks. We panicked after last season and made the wrong decision, plain and simple.

[Pharmcat]

Lakers should just cut him .

You can't really do that in the NBA. His contract is guaranteed and counts 100% against the salary cap if he's cut. That means you lose the ability to sign other players to the tune of $44 million (prorated) this season and $47 million next year. You'd be tying up a HUGE percentage of your cap space for a player that isn't playing and cannot be traded.

The Lakers committed hard to the (doomed from the start) Westbrook experiment the minute that trade became official. This is the result and they have to live with the consequences.

No one wants Westbrook and he is a net negative on floor. Just move on and sign a minimum level player to replace roster spot

[ken6199]

Lakers should just cut him .

You can't really do that in the NBA. His contract is guaranteed and counts 100% against the salary cap if he's cut. That means you lose the ability to sign other players to the tune of $44 million (prorated) this season and $47 million next year. You'd be tying up a HUGE percentage of your cap space for a player that isn't playing and cannot be traded.

The Lakers committed hard to the (doomed from the start) Westbrook experiment the minute that trade became official. This is the result and they have to live with the consequences.

No one wants Westbrook and he is a net negative on floor. Just move on and sign a minimum level player to replace roster spot

And that's an encouraging message to all future free agents "hey if you come and play like an ass don't worry we gone cut you so you can sit at home and still pick up your paychecks".

[phanman]

You can't really do that in the NBA. His contract is guaranteed and counts 100% against the salary cap if he's cut. That means you lose the ability to sign other players to the tune of $44 million (prorated) this season and $47 million next year. You'd be tying up a HUGE percentage of your cap space for a player that isn't playing and cannot be traded.

The Lakers committed hard to the (doomed from the start) Westbrook experiment the minute that trade became official. This is the result and they have to live with the consequences.

No one wants Westbrook and he is a net negative on floor. Just move on and sign a minimum level player to replace roster spot

And that's an encouraging message to all future free agents "hey if you come and play like an ass don't worry we gone cut you so you can sit at home and still pick up your paychecks".

Could be worse, they could say that you are a talented player but stay at home because we don't want you on our team

[Jables]

Vogel gives no **** anymore, but you'd think he'd have some sympathy for someone who is as much of a scapegoat as he is. Then again I can't imagine Westbrook is the most fun guy to coach.

[trueballer7]

Its so absurd reading comments like ''LBJ is the one to blame, RB was his choice''. In the meantime Lebrons' loving every second of this year. Not only does he get to focus solely on his stats, but he's gotten the ultimate scapegoat for his media buddies to blame. I've never seen Lebron so relaxed and content in years.