NBA Rumors: Klutch Sports Singled Out For Lakers' Disastrous Season

KEY POINTS

Klutch Sports Group is being blamed for pressuring the Lakers to sign Westbrook
Rob Pelinka's decision-making may have also factored in the Lakers' poor showing
LeBron James signing a new deal will depend on the Lakers’ revised outlook

The Los Angeles Lakers are trying to find answers to their disastrous 2021-22 NBA season despite being tagged as one of the favorites.

The franchise failed to make the playoffs, a development that most never expected.

Injuries to top stars such as LeBron James and Anthony Davis were singled out as one reason.

There were others who pinned the blame on the signing of Russell Westbrook, someone most felt would be the third superstar the Lakers could get to complement James and Davis.

Most know that the coming of Westbrook did not turn out as most had anticipated.

From someone who could deliver monster triple-double numbers, the 2017 NBA MVP hardly came close to showing that in Hollywood.

With the blame game underway, sources claim that the Lakers front office is allegedly blaming the pressure from Klutch Sports Group to sign Westbrook, Ed Pincus of the Bleacher Report reported.

It could make sense although it would be best to involve Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka.

Pelinka has a say in the deals and player composition of the team. However, there is also the angle of James and Davis possibly pushing for a Westbrook signing that cannot be overlooked, NBC Sports reported.

Regardless, the Lakers' disastrous is now a thing of the past in the books.

Westbrook’s future in Hollywood is uncertain, and Los Angeles is currently looking for a new head coach.

It is a big mess that the Lakers need to address this summer as they find themselves rebuilding a team that is expected to undergo a major facelift.

James is eligible for a contract extension this summer. However, a new deal may depend on how Lakers’ management handles their current row.

The James’ situation is another problem the Lakers need to address aside from figuring out who stays and who goes.

The Lakers do not have much financial flexibility. However, a Westbrook exit could help.

Despite his age, James has shown he remains a force to reckon with at 37.

Meanwhile, Davis has become injury-prone but remains a top big man who can dominate if he finds a way to stay healthy.