Russell Westbrook Removes the Lakers From His Instagram Page (Why It's Not *Just* Fun Internet Fodder)

Russell Westbrook has excised the Lakers (along with the Rockets and Wizards) from his Instagram page. Does that necessarily mean his relationship with the team is unequivocally over? Wrecked beyond repair? No, nor does it mean he's trying to feud with the team. For all we know, he's just doing some pruning to try and highlight his off-court ventures and charity work. But regardless of what message Westbrook is or isn't sending, he's certainly aware of how people will react, and the speculation it'll create. Plus, he left pictures of him playing with the Thunder... one of the potential trade partners the Lakers could match with this summer! INTRIGUE! All fun aside - and there's plenty of it - the news reflects just how scrutinized the relationship between Westbrook and the Lakers is now, and will be going forward. How much will the Lakers be willing to give up just to get away from his contract? Would they buy him out? Waive-and-stretch? Where is the line where ridding themselves of Westbrook comes at too high a price? Is there a scenario in which he's back, and actually playing for the team? Finally, Kyrie Irving said some stuff following Brooklyn's Game 4 loss to Boston that surely frightened Nets fans, but also pointed to the complex problems that come when teams build as Brooklyn has. Brooklyn, and the Lakers, it should be noted. There's a down side to going all in on stars at whatever cost. The Nets are in a better place than the Lakers (at least could be, though Kyrie and his contract status is a complicating factor), but both teams are exhibits for how and why the model for title team building may be changing across the league. HOSTS: Andy and Brian Kamenetzky SEGMENT 1: Russell Westbrook excises the Lakers from his Insta. SEGMENT 2: Is there a price that's too high to pay to get rid of Russ this summer? SEGMENT 3: More on the collapse of the Nets and Lakers. What's the lesson in teambuilding for the rest of the league? And for these teams, themselves? 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