Lakers blaming pressure from Klutch Sports agency for Russell Westbrook trade?

Upon the urging of LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the franchise traded its championship depth for Russell Westbrook, yet the three stars still ended up with an extended vacation. After the season concluded, Davis said he would meet with James to “reevaluate in the offseason. Upstairs, me and him, talking about the season and what we’d like to see next season.” Ideally, their suggestions to the Lakers’ front office will be better than acquiring Westbrook.  But James certainly has a strong influence on the Lakers’ decision-making. Multiple sources indicate the team’s front office is internally blaming pressure from Klutch Sports Group (representing both James and Davis) for Westbrook.
Source: Eric Pincus @ Bleacher Report

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Jokic for Westbrook. Who says no? AK – 12:47 AM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
For the sickos who like to watch, Wednesday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast, YouTube version. Did Westbrook ghost the Lakers on Instagram? What the Lakers and Nets have taught about superstar roster construction. @LockedOnNetwork @LockedOnNBAPods
youtube.com/watch?v=klYH4L… – 6:37 PM

Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2018, the @Oklahoma City Thunder‘s Russell Westbrook scored 46 points in a series-ending loss to the Jazz.
Westbrook attempted 19 3P (an NBA playoff record) and 43 FG.
Michael Jordan is the only player since the ABA-NBA merger to attempt more FG in a playoff game (45). pic.twitter.com/FW607PirA6 – 4:01 PM

Kamenetzky Brothers @KamBrothers
Wednesday’s @LockedOnLakers podcast! Did Russell Westbrook break up with the Lakers over Instagram? Also, thoughts on the Lakers, Nets, and “collaborative” team building. #FirstListen @LockedOnNBAPods @LockedOnNetwork
Subscribe. Rate. Enjoy. Thx.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rus… – 12:47 PM

James Boyd @RomeovilleKid
Again, big shout out to my guys @JacobRude and @RadRivas over at @LakersSBN for having me on their podcast to talk about the possibility of a Russell Westbrook-#Pacers trade. Give it a listen! silverscreenandroll.com/2022/4/24/2304… – 12:32 PM

Rylan Stiles @Rylan_Stiles
New Locked on #Thunder Podcast:
🏀 Josh Giddey does not get a ROY vote
🏀 Josh Giddey first team all rookie?
🏀 Russell Westbrook returning to OKC?
🏀 Three spins on Tankathon!
#ThunderUp #FirstListen:
https://t.co/mMkaoVLwqq pic.twitter.com/f36R2u3ogD – 2:12 AM

David Thorpe @coachthorpe
I’ve been telling friends that Ja is channeling Russell Westbrook this series, for good and bad. That was the good. – 9:34 PM

Brandon Rahbar @BrandonRahbar
Russell Westbrook won the same number of playoff games this season as Kevin Durant. – 9:30 PM

More on this storyline

The nine-time All-NBA player removed any post with him in a Lakers jersey. The only thing with Russ depicted in purple and gold that remains is his profile picture. It’s a very intentional move. When you have 19.4M followers, people are going to notice when you delete a slew of photos. Especially the ones of you playing for the team you’re currently under contract with. -via Sports Illustrated / April 27, 2022

The million-dollar question: Will the Lakers move on from Russell Westbrook this offseason? — @ShowTime_32 The million-dollar answer: Yes. -via The Athletic / April 22, 2022

Russ liked this comment on his IG post -via Twitter / April 22, 2022