One criticism that’s been levied against the Los Angeles Lakers even before Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka (though they’ve apparently continued the tradition) has been the vibe with people they don’t consider a part of the plans. Basically, some feel as if you’re either in or you’re out.
Brook Lopez showed seemed to show frustration over this trend when benched late in games. D’Angelo Russell had plenty of dirt kicked on him as he was sent packing. Hell, say what you will about Luol Deng’s contract, but it didn’t make much sense that he couldn’t get any time on the court last year given how ravaged the team was by injuries.