Is Russell Westbrook going to stay or go from the Los Angeles Lakers? The team, it appears, has reached a final decision on Russell future with the team with Westbrook set to activate his player option
Many Lakers fans assumed Russell would be fired due to his poor performance, but it appears that management has given him another chance to prove himself.
Russell Westbrook’s first season with the Los Angeles Lakers was a fiasco, and it was widely assumed that the organization would have to part ways with the seasoned point guard if it wanted to compete again.
Los Angeles Lakers To Keep Russell Westbrook From Another Year With Player Set To Exercise $47 Million Player Option
Imo this is the only thing that would work without giving up assets and would actually help both team and player.
— Haylow (@Haylow) May 30, 2022
It does not appear that will be the case.
The Miami Heat’s goal of winning an NBA championship has just gone up in flames after losing Game 7 at home to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals. Losing to the Celtics can’t be easy for this Heat team. It has a long history with them and beat them in the Eastern Conference Finals in 2020.
The Heat appeared to be stuck in the Playoffs, constrained by their roster in ways they hadn’t seen before. With Tyler Herro out and Kyle Lowry injured. It was evident that the Heat needed guards who could generate scoring opportunities for themselves and others while also being accessible on a continuous basis.
“The Lakers intend to keep Russell Westbrook,” says the long-time NBA correspondent. Los Angeles will not give up ‘extra assets’ to send him out.”
“Westbrook is anticipated to exercise his $47 million player option for next season,” the article continues.
In 2021-22, the 33-year-old had one of his worst professional seasons, averaging 18.5 points, and 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 total was his lowest since the 2009-10 season.
According to NBA.com, the Lakers were outscored by 4.0 points per 100 possessions when Westbrook was on the field. When he sat, the team improved significantly, although they were still outscored by 1.6 points.