Lakers Reportedly Made Big Decision On Russell Westbrook

The Los Angeles Lakers are coming off of a bad season. They missed the chance to make the playoffs and didn’t even make the play-in tournament. LeBron James and Anthony Davis missed a big chunk of the regular season due to injuries and the rest of the team struggled to make an impact. The Lakers had to make a decision on Russell Westbrook, too. The nine-time All-Star joined the Lakers as a third option behind LeBron and AD, but failed to make an impact.

Rob Pelinka didn’t get too many offers for Westbrook. NBA teams showed some interest in him, but they also wanted a first-rounder. Pelinka didn’t want to lose a first-round pick because this is his guarantee for the future. LeBron and AD won’t last forever.

Some say Frank Vogel was an obstacle in Westbrook’s season. NBA analysts place the blame on him. Vogel benched Brodie in a few games and the veteran wasn’t happy. In his exit interview, Westbrook said that the Lakers didn’t give him a real chance to make an impact. He is a talented player, but he wasn’t the best fit for the purple and gold. The Lakers have a new head coach now. Darvin Ham got the job and many praise him as the best alternative for the storied franchise. Ham doesn’t have head coaching experience, but he understands players and also understands the game. LA hired someone who was waiting for the perfect opportunity. Magic Johnson wanted the Lakers to get a former player and it looks like the Lakers took the advice.

Lakers to make the right decision for Russell Westbrook

Pelinka has to come up with the best decision this time. According to Marc Stein, the Lakers will keep Westbrook. Maybe the new head coach will find a way to use Westbrook’s skills.

“The Lakers plan to keep Russell Westbrook. LA refuses to give up ‘additional assets’ to send him out,” Stein reported. “Westbrook is expected to exercise his $47M player option for next season.”

The Lakers plan to keep Russell Westbrook. LA refuses to give up "additional assets" to send him out, per @TheSteinLine

Westbrook is expected to exercise his $47M player option for next season pic.twitter.com/jSRXRr2MP3

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 30, 2022

This may be a good idea after all. Ham will have a chance to work with the veteran and this may be the beginning of a good season.