Los Angeles Lakers fans and critics alike are now looking back at this team's offseason moves with a bit of regret. Now with the benefit of hindsight, it appears that the Lakers trading for Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards was not really the best decision for the franchise.

It's no secret that LeBron James holds a lot of influence within the Lakers organization. Unsurprisingly, reports suggest that The King actually played a major role in recruiting Westbrook to Hollywood last summer. According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, LeBron not only gave his blessing for the Westbrook deal but he also had a significant part in getting it done:

Rob Pelinka is the team's vice president of basketball operations and general manager. The decision ultimately falls on his resume.

But sources also say that James was a significant proponent for getting Westbrook. Does he bear any responsibility if he and his agent, Rich Paul of Klutch Sports, applied significant pressure on the team to get it done?

With Westbrook's fit with the Lakers now proving to be questionable, at best, it is only logical to assume that LeBron should be held responsible for his role in the deal. He should, at the very least, be held somewhat accountable for that trade which at the moment, has yet to bear fruit for the purple and gold.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Lakers Darvin Ham after LeBron James and Anthony Davis NBA Playoffs loss to Nuggets

Jay Postrado ·

Lakers' LeBron James, D'Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura all angry, caption below: TIME TO SAY GOODBYE?

Jedd Pagaduan ·

Lakers, LeBron James, Nuggets, Bronny James, Deion Sanders

Jackson Stone ·

Then again, we're just halfway through the season and at this point, anything can still happen. A near-miraculous and sensational turnaround could be brewing for Westbrook and the Lakers, which could very well prove LA's decision to bring Russ to Hollywood a stroke of genius. If this happens then surely, LeBron should also be given credit for the role he played in the deal last summer.

That is, of course, under the assumption that the Lakers do not end up dealing Westbrook before the trade deadline. The former league MVP's massive current contract makes him virtually unmoveable, but who knows, right? We've seen crazier things in the past. It's definitely going to be an interesting next couple of weeks for the Los Angeles Lakers.