Russell Westbrook’s first season with the Los Angeles Lakers was a disaster, and the wide belief has been that the team would have to move on from the veteran point guard if it wants to return to contention.
It does not appear like that will be happening.
According to the longtime NBA correspondent, “The Lakers plan to keep Russell Westbrook. LA refuses to give up ‘additional assets’ to send him out.”
Adding, “Westbrook is expected to exercise his $47M player option for next season.”
The 33-year-old had one of his worst professional seasons for the Lakers in the 2021-22 campaign, averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists while shooting 44.4 percent from the field, 29.8 percent from three and 66.7 percent from the free-throw line. His points were his lowest mark since the 2009-10 season.
When Westbrook was on the court, the Lakers were outscored by 4.0 points per 100 possessions, per NBA.com. When he sat, the team got much better, but still got outscored by 1.6 points.
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There were many reasons why the team did not make the postseason.
