Year 1 was... not good. Russell Westbrook arrived with a lot of fanfare (and a lot of trepidation on the part of fans and pundits alike) and almost from the jump nothing went well. The fit was bad, the team lost, and lost and lost some more and all the while Westbrook didn't play particularly well. And then there was finger pointing, a lack of self-awareness and accountability when it was all done. Westbrook famously lit up LeBron James and Anthony Davis in his exit interview.

Most people assumed the Lakers would do ANYTHING to get rid of Westbrook, but then the summer came, and suddenly Westbrook looked like a guy who might be around for a while. Not because the Lakers necessarily want it that way, but because trading him is really hard. And since, Westbrook has tried really hard to look like a guy fitting in. He's showed up at press conferences for Darvin Ham and Patrick Beverley. He threw Pat Bev a towel and engaged him in a super awkward bro hug. Ham has praised Westbrook's attitude.

And a few listeners have noticed, and even grown sympathetic. Feeling bad for how awkward it has become for someone of his stature. Is sympathy deserved? What about empathy? Or is antipathy, and only that, all he deserves?

The answer wraps in all sorts of complicated things about the nature of elite level athletes. Of course, all of this changes if Westbrook decides he's not a guy who is willing to accept a buyout, which would make it more complicated for the Lakers to trade him. Is he that proud?

Meanwhile, Pau Gasol is in line to join the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2025. Right now, at least, it looks like Gasol might be the only NBA player in that class, providing a unique spotlight and focus for a guy who spent so much of his career playing a supporting role. Now, though, he plays a different one. So much of Gasol's legacy now is seen in through the prism of Kobe Bryant's death. Kobe would have been a huge part of Pau's jersey retirement next spring at the Crypt. He almost certainly would have introduced and inducted Pau into the Hall (where only other HOFers get to do that sort of thing). None of that, sadly, is going to happen.

If there's anyone perfect for carrying that kind of responsibility, and continuing to share the spotlight, it's Pau.

HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky

SEGMENT 1: Is it possible Westbrook is ... a sympathetic figure at this point? Maybe even a little?

SEGMENT 2: Is sympathy the right word? Maybe empathy? What if he decides he's unwilling to be bought out by a team he's traded to?

SEGMENT 3: Looking ahead at Pau Gasol's HOF induction in 2025, and everything that comes with it.

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

Built Bar

Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKEDON15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.

BetOnline

BetOnline.net has you covered this season with more props, odds and lines than ever before. BetOnline – Where The Game Starts!

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices