Russell Westbrook just picked his player option for the 2022/23 NBA season, meaning he’ll at least start the upcoming campaign as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. The veteran point guard didn’t have the best time last season, struggling to help LeBron James and Anthony Davis, earning a lot of criticism in the process.
Despite not making any significant change on the roster, the Lakers are confident they can turn things around and put up a good display in the competitive Western Conference next year. Westbrook is ready to prove everybody wrong and show that his quality is still there.
After picking his $47 million for this season, Russ’ spot on the Lakers roster is secured, but this isn’t the last thing we might hear about the former MVP. According to Mark Deeds of Forbes, Westbrook will be eligible for a 4-year, $221 million after the moratorium, which is July 6.
Having exercised his player option for 2022/23, Russell Westbrook will, after the moratorium, be eligible for an extension up to a maximum of four years and $221,386,600, which is more than he could get on the open market.
— Mark Deeks (@MarkDeeksNBA) June 29, 2022
Having exercised his player option for 2022/23, Russell Westbrook will, after the moratorium, be eligible for an extension up to a maximum of four years and $221,386,600, which is more than he could get on the open market.
Seeing how difficult has been to move his contract in recent years, it’s unlikely to see another team offering Westbrook that type of money, especially at this age. Perhaps, if he provides the help the Lakers need to have another deep playoffs run, the front office will get him a solid new deal, but not $221 million.
Westbrook has another opportunity to change the perception around him. New Lakers head coach Darvin Ham is working to make him a defensive-first player, and if he achieves that, Russ will be more valuable around the league.
