Good morning, Luke.
Step into my office.
I know that you’ve probably heard rumors that the Lakers are looking to package you in a trade.
We’re not in a position to discuss any specifics with you at this time but as you know, this is a business, and we’re always looking for ways to improve the team.
So, of course if an opportunity arises where we believe that trading you would strengthen this team, believe me, it’s nothing personal.
Statistics-wise, you dropped off in several catagories this season from last year. Your scoring, rebounding and assists averages all fell.
Your shooting percentages across the board dropped - free throw percentage, field goal percentage and 3-point shooting percentage.
There were stretches in the season in which you struggled badly to be a contributing factor.
But in the first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets, you stepped up and played at the level that you are capable of playing at. It is too bad that mitigating circumstances prevented you from maintaining that performance level in the subsequent playoff rounds.
That said, there are so many intangibles that you bring to the game that the casual fan does not recognize.
The pass that leads to the pass that results in an assist. The tip out of a missed shot that leads to an extra offensive possession. The box out on the defensive boards of an opponent larger than yourself.
Every successful teams requires role players like yourself and the Lakers appreciate your efforts.
Your mission this summer, which I know that you will accept, is to spend long hours shooting the basketball so that those shooting percentages rise, not fall, next season.
Should any trade rumors, involving you, heat up to the point to where a deal could be imminent, you will be the first to know.
