Russell Westbrook Enjoyed $47 Million Payday Celebration With Kevin Hart

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Hart had a reason to celebrate. The Los Angeles Lakers veteran opted into his $47.1 million player option on Tuesday. It was an expected scenario, because the Lakers didn’t make a move to trade him. Yes, they did get a few offers, but Rob Pelinka decided to keep his All-Star on the roster.

Russ and Hart were spotted outside LAVO Ristorante. I guess their laughs were too loud to be ignored. TMZ Sports was the first to report the celebration.

Russell Westbrook was all smiles leaving an L.A. hotspot with Kevin Hart after choosing to stay with the Lakers for $47 million. https://t.co/3gMMNVDjYL

— TMZ Sports (@TMZ_Sports) June 29, 2022

Russell Westbrook and Kevin Hart had a reason to celebrate

NBA teams didn’t show much interest in Westbrook. It’s not like he is a bad player or something like that. His salary was too fancy and no one wanted to pay $47 million. Most NBA teams wanted Westbrook and a first-round pick. Rob Pelinka needs his first-rounders to build a strong roster in the future. He has to plan the future. LeBron James and AD won’t stay around forever and Pelinka will need other leaders to build his roster around.

Russ will get paid despite his struggles in the 2021-22 NBA season. The veteran had issued with Lakers coaches and Frank Vogel even benched him at the end of a few games. Westbrook was really frustrated and so were Lakers fans. He earned a new nickname, but didn’t really enjoy being called “Westbrick”. Of course, some fans can’t understand the concept behind Westbrook’s new situation. Why would Pelinka pay so much money for someone who failed to take the team to the playoffs last season? The Lakers have a new head coach and Darvin Ham will probably find a way to add Westbrook’s talent.

The Lakers have plans for Westrook and he is willing to do his best and fit in their system. He is a talented player and the Lakers can sure rely on his skillset. Will Westbrook become the third person behind LeBron and AD? Finally? These three can turn into a lethal trio. The NBA world better be careful. Ham has a plan for his team and doubters won’t change it.