Frank Vogel Fired. Russell Westbrook And Rob Pelinka Get Defensive Lakers Exit Interviews

As was reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Frank Vogel was officially fired by the Lakers on Monday, one of the many topics discussed by every member of the team (save Anthony Davis and Carmelo Anthony, who spoke on Sunday) and GM Rob Pelinka during the day's exit interviews. They talked about Vogel's dismissal, injuries, bad on-court chemistry, and Russell Westbrook. So much Russell Westbrook talk. That includes from Westbrook himself, who spoke at length and aggressively defended himself, even while acknowledging his play wasn't up to his standards. So why did things go so wrong with Russ? Was it doomed from the start? What did his interview reveal about Westbrook? The answers aren't just a matter of gossip or grist for the mill. Understanding how exactly the handling of Vogel's firing went wrong (and why Pelinka did a poor job fielding questions about it), why the roster construction didn't work, and what unmade Westbrook's relationship with his coach (among other things) is central to repairing the team heading into next season. Man alive, there's a lot of work coming for Pelinka and crew. So much intrigue, it was enough to make LeBron James delivering important health updates a mere footnote! HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: LeBron James explained his health situation, noting he doesn't expect to have surgery on any of his ailments. Rob Pelinka fielded questions about Frank Vogel's dismissal, and didn't exactly shine. SEGMENT 2: Why Pelinka's bad answers about Vogel are important. SEGMENT 3: Russell Westbrook went on offense by defending himself. Did he have a point? Should the Lakers have seen all of this coming? Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! PrizePicks Check out PrizePicks.com and use promo code: “NBA” or go to your app store and download the app today. PrizePicks is daily fantasy made easy! Built Bar Built Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” 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! Rock Auto Amazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. Shady Rays EXCLUSIVELY FOR OUR LISTENERS, HEAD TO SHADYRAYS.COM AND USE CODE LOCKEDON TO GET FIFTY PERCENT OFF TWO OR MORE PAIRS OF POLARIZED SUNGLASSES. Athletic Greens To make it easy, Athletic Greens is going to give you a FREE 1 year supply of immune-supporting Vitamin D AND 5 FREE travel packs with your first purchase. All you have to do is visit athleticgreens.com/NBANETWORK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices