Lakers Make Decision on Russell Westbrook Future if They Can’t Trade Him

The Los Angeles Lakers have to make a decision on Russell Westbrook and his future with the franchise. The nine-time All-Star has been making headlines from the very first moment he came to LA. There has been huge speculation on Rob Pelinka’s next move. He didn’t trade Westbrook at the deadline. NBA teams weren’t really interested in the struggling veteran. The Houston Rockets wanted Brodie and a first-round pick. It was a big “NO” for Pelinka.

How will the Lakers handle Westbrook’s situation this time? Shams Charania and Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that the Lakers won’t waive or send the veteran if they don’t find a good trade partner.

“As for the prospect of Westbrook being waived or sent home (a la Houston’s John Wall last season) if he is not traded, those are not considered viable options, and all indications are that he will play,” Charania and Amick reported. “With that in mind, the Lakers are focused on hiring a coach who is capable of navigating these types of sensitive situations.”

Lakers to make the right decision on Russell Westbrook

The Lakers fired Frank Vogel after the final game of the regular season. They are taking their time to find another head coach. The team has interviewed a few candidates and they all talked about Westbrook’s role in the system. If the new head coach finds a way to use Westbrook, the veteran won’t have to go. Many believe Vogel contributed to Westbrook’s bad season.

“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.”

Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game while shooting 44.4% from the field, 29.8 from beyond the arc, and 66.7% from the free-throw line. Fans didn’t like the fact that he did too many turnovers…

Brodie wasn’t really nice during his exit interview. He believes the Lakers never gave him a chance to show his real talent. Vogel benched him at the end of a few games. Brodie expressed his frustration because he wanted to finish his games. Let’s see if he stays in LA for another season.