Lakers Deliver Strong Signal Russell Westbrook Won’t Be Traded

The Los Angeles Lakers made a few questionable decisions ahead of the trade deadline. Oh, wait, they didn’t make any decisions at all. Many thought Russell Westbrook would be traded to another team. The Houston Rockets wanted Westbrook, but Rob Pelinka didn’t want to give up on his future first-round pick.

The Lakers are looking for a new head coach. They have interviewed a few candidates. The new coach will probably find a way to use Westbrook. Pelinka may not trade his All-Star before the new head coach arrives. Vogel had issues with Westbrook. David Fizdale had issues with Westbrook, too. The new Lakers head coach may find a way to use Westbrook’s experience and skills.

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that candidates received questions about Westbrook’s potential role with the team.

“More specifically, the notion of Russell Westbrook remaining part of their program is seeming more real all the time,” Amick reported. “Despite the widely held belief that the Lakers would find a way to trade Westbrook before the start of next season, sources say their coaching candidates have been asked to discuss how they would use him in their system during interviews. The takeaway for candidates, it seems, is that maximizing Westbrook’s presence after his disastrous 2021-22 season is considered an important part of this job.”

Russell Westbrook may not be traded to another team

Westbrook had great stats with the Lakers, but he didn’t take the team to the play-in tournament.

Adrian Wojnarowski from ESPN reported that Phil Jackson plays a major role in the Lakers’ search for a head coach.

Amick reported that Jackson is a great fan of the veteran, and this support will probably secure Westbrook’s spot in LA.

“And how’s this for a tidbit to tie this thread up: Phil Jackson is known to have been a fan of Westbrook throughout his career,” Amick reported. “Sources say Phil Jackson has no interest in taking on this coaching job (or any other) himself — let’s just stop that rumor right here — but his view of Westbrook is relevant. As we’ve established, Jackson’s voice matters again.”