As the new NBA season has officially tipped off, there has been much speculation amongst basketball fans and reporters on social media relating to two of the most polarizing franchises in the league, the Miami Heat, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Many amongst #NBATwitter have shared their feelings on why the Heat and Lakers should make a trade that would send NBA champ point guard Kyle Lowry from Miami to LA and thus send Mr. Triple Double himself, Russell Westbrook, from LA to Miami.
The Heat and Lakers swapping Westbrook and Lowry makes too much sense for both teams ..
— Ben Stinar (@BenStinar) October 25, 2022
Lowry arrived in Miami before last season after he was traded from Toronto to Miami in exchange for Goran Dragic and Precious Achiuwa. Although the Heat did reach the Eastern Conference Finals with Lowry as their starting point guard, Lowry has been disappointing so far in his Heat tenure after failing to reach “Heat shape” last season; in the offseason, Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra both spoke to the media sharing their expectations of Lowry coming back for this season in the best shape of his career.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqw6Rgn29SM
Lowry shared his thoughts on their comments in this season’s media day, expressing his thoughts by saying he doesn’t listen to what others say about him and goes with what he thinks is best. That type of attitude by Lowry is not expected from a Heat Culture type of player. Heat players are known for being the most selfless, hardworking, and well-conditioned players in the league; when a player reacts like that to Heat legends like Riley and Spoelstra, it rubs many Heat fans the wrong way.
As of now, the Heat are 1-3, with Lowry having a very inconsistent start to the season in terms of offense where he has scored double-digit points in two games and single-digits in the other two, including just two points in the Heat’s opening night 116-108 loss to the Chicago Bulls. Lowry must not just pick up the offense but also the defense in his game and, most importantly, the heart if he genuinely wants to stay as a member of the Miami Heat. Pat Riley and company have one goal each season: to bring a championship to Miami; if Lowry does not fulfill his role fast, he may be looking at a different home like Los Angeles sooner rather than later.
Lowry in 36 minutes tonight:
7 PTS
1-8 FG
1-6 3PHe’s shooting 28% this season. pic.twitter.com/gxaXIhAo1U
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 25, 2022
As for the Lakers, they are off to a rough start as well, as they are 0-3 to begin the season.
Russell Westbrook has taken 11 wide open threes, the most on the Lakers.
He has made 1.
Open for a reason. pic.twitter.com/ZUOmSFsyxZ
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 24, 2022
It has been rough for Westbrook since he arrived in Los Angeles before last season when he was traded to the Lakers from the Wizards in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. There seemed to be much friction on and off the court last season involving Westbrook and fellow Lakers all-stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Last season was one that they would love to completely erase after not clinching a playoff spot; However, most of the blame was put on Westbrook for the disappointing season for the lakers; even though Westbrook was one, if not the main constant for the team as he played in most games while Davis and James missed many games last season. It came as no surprise, however, as the media has criticized Westbrook since he came into the league in 2008.
As for a possible Lowry Westbrook swap, the Heat would benefit by attaining Westbrook’s heart and eagerness to do whatever it takes to win compared to Lowry’s lack of aggressiveness and unwillingness to get into Heat shape. While, the Lakers would land a player in Lowry, who, before his Heat tenure, had been one of the top point guards in the league through his Raptors tenure, including winning a championship in 2019. Lowry can also be swapped in for Westbrook as the new scapegoat for LeBron, Rich Paul, and crew to blame if the Lakers losing woes continue.
All in all, it seems that both of these all-star guards may need a change of scenery.
Let us know what you think about a potential Kyle Lowry for Russell Westbrook trade by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sending us a tweet at @celebsecrets.
