Russell Westbrook was one of the most reviled players in the league last season, especially from the fans of the very team he played for. Lakers fans weren’t too happy with the way Russ regressed last season, and it seems he even had issues with the coaching staff. All this led to a belief that Westbrook would no longer be a Laker next season, with trades being explored and speculated about.
However, recent reports have put paid to that. There were mutterings when the Lakers were still looking for a new Head Coach that they were asking candidates for ways to integrate Westbrook into the team. And after Darvin Ham secured the job, he went ahead and spoke about Westbrook’s good qualities, stating that Russ still has a lot left to give to the team.
And Bleacher Report’s Eric Pincus has said in his latest report that according to sources within the organization, the Lakers are preparing for next season as though Westbrook will be on the roster.
“We may find out soon enough as sources close to the team, along with several competing executives, believe the Lakers are operating as if Russell Westbrook will be on the roster to start next season,” Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report wrote.
This news is something a section of Lakers fans will not want to hear, as there is a faction that firmly believes that Westbrook is simply past his best and cannot fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
One way or another, the Lakers will know that another season outside the playoff spots would be a massive debacle for the franchise. Having won the championship in 2020 but not having gotten close since is an issue, and if Westbrook’s massive contract cannot be traded, then giving it one more shot and trying to get their 3 stars to play well together could be their only way forward to success.
