Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers could not have envisioned how this season ended up going. What was once expected to be a championship-contending team was actually eliminated from the playoffs last night. Westbrook’s move to the Lakers has clearly not worked out. But Westbrook wants to continue with the Lakers, playing alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Russell Westbrook spoke during the post-game press conference about next season and what that will look like. He noted that he wants to stick around in LA, suggesting he will pick up his $47 million player option. He noted that injuries kept this team from achieving its full potential this season, and he wants to see what he, LeBron, and AD can do together for an entire season if given the chance.
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“That’s the plan. But nothing is promised. You kind of have to take it one day at a time each day. Like I’ve said all season long, you’ve got to play the cards you’re dealt. Yes, we want to be able to see what htat looks like, what that entails over the course of an 82-game season, but we’re not sure if that’s guaranteed either. So I just hope we get the chance to be able to do something.”
But Russ himself admitted that it might not be as easy as just saying it, as nothing is promised. He noted himself that he hopes to have the chance to do so. Westbrook joining LeBron and AD was a questionable move even when it first happened, as most people wondered how Westbrook and LeBron, two players who thrive with the ball in their hands, were going to work together.
The Lakers never really got started this season. For some fans, they will be relieved that their season is over, as the Lakers don’t have any scope to disappoint them anymore. Whether LeBron, AD, and Russ actually run it back next season remains to be seen. But given Westbrook’s massive contract, it would be hard for the Lakers to move him elsewhere.
