Despite all the rumors surrounding him, Russell Westbrook is still part of the Los Angeles Lakers organization. The former NBA MVP didn’t have the best 2021/22 season, struggling to find his rhythm on a team that dealt with many injuries all season long, becoming one of the most disappointing squads of all time.
Russ earned a lot of criticism for his performances, and now the Lakers fanbase wants nothing to do with him. However, the team has been unable to find a trade partner for the player, which means he’ll likely stay with them at least until the start of the new season.
Still, this doesn’t mean the Lakers gave up trying to relocate Westbrook. Recent reports suggest that the Utah Jazz and Indiana Pacers are his most likely landing spots if the Lakers make a trade, but right now nothing is certain. Well, those don’t seem to be the only candidates to get Westbrook’s hefty contract.
Lakers Are Reportedly Shopping Russell Westbrook Around The League
The Purple and Gold are trying to improve their ranks ahead of next season, and the front office hasn’t stopped trying to shop Westbrook. According to Sam Amico of Hoops Wire, Rob Pelinka has contacted at least 5 rivals to gauge interest in Westbrook, but nothing has gained traction so far.
Give Lakers GM Rob Pelinka credit for at least doing his due diligence on a possible Russell Westbrook trade.
This offseason alone, Pelinka has spoken to no less than five rival teams about Westbrook, multiple league sources told Hoops Wire. So far, though, the Lakers are close on nothing and are starting to suspect that Westbrook will be back for at least the start of the season, sources added.
As we’ve relayed, they have spoken to the Pacers, Jazz and Nets over the course of the summer.
The Lakers stint is coming to an end for Russ. Even if new head coach Darvin Ham has stated he wants to give him a new role on the team, many people think and want Russ out of the squad. The recent Patrick Beverley trade only made things worse for him, as the Lakers might use Bev in the starting lineup, or as the leader of the second unit.
The Indiana Pacers and Utah Jazz seem to be the best options for the Lakers, but we have to sit and wait for what they’ll do to get rid of Russ and bring a couple of players that can enhance their level.
