Russell Westbrook is seemingly just not having a good time this offseason. Although initial reports after the season ended made it look like the Lakers would run it back with Westbrook, it has been followed up by endless speculation, primarily mentioning the former MVP as the main piece in a trade to acquire Kyrie Irving.
Westbrook’s situation has gone from bad to worse, it appears that he no longer sees eye to eye with the Lakers management or superstar LeBron James. The tension was evident during a Summer League game the Lakers played, during which both LeBron and Russ were present but did not talk to one another and sat on opposite sides of the court.
Recently, Westbrook also fell out with his long-time agent, Thad Foucher, and The Athletic’s Jovan Buha has reported on the same, citing it as a sign of Westbrook’s deteriorating relationships.
“The dynamic between the Lakers and Russell Westbrook is becoming more untenable with each passing week as the two sides seemingly head for an inevitable divorce.
“The most recent development was Westbrook splitting with his longtime agent, Thad Foucher, who had represented him since he entered the NBA in 2008. Over that period, they were considered one of the stronger player-agent relationships in the league.
“If it’s true that Westbrook isn’t willing to accept the role Ham is asking of him, then the Lakers need to strongly consider alternative options if they can’t trade Westbrook. No Westbrook is better than last season’s inefficient and ill-fitting Westbrook.
“This situation seems like it will only get uglier. Barring an unprecedented increase in self-awareness by Westbrook and a willingness to adapt his game, it’s become even more clear the Lakers are better off without Westbrook next season.”
If Westbrook is feeling unwanted, then it might suit the Lakers to move on from him. Having the drama of an unhappy superstar never works for a team, and the Lakers will be desperate to have a contending season again, considering how old LeBron James is getting. Where they will trade Russ to remains a question, but perhaps some updates will come through soon.
