In the summer of 2021, the Los Angeles Lakers made a shocking move by trading for All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, who had already been exiled from the Rockets and the Wizards.
What started as optimism and excitement for the season quickly devolved into chaos as the Lakers and their fans (and everybody else, for that matter) quickly realized he was a horrible fit with the team.
What followed was almost two seasons of misery both on and off the floor for the Lakers, and, by the end, Westbrook checked out completely in what is now being described as a ‘toxic’ situation.
The Lakers believe there is an addition-by-subtraction element to dealing the nine-time All-Star. The situation had become untenable over the past week or so, multiple team and league sources close to the situation told The Athletic, all of whom were granted anonymity so that they could speak freely. Two sources described the situation as “toxic.” And while Lakers owner Jeanie Buss was known to be against the idea of waiving Westbrook, sources say there was a strong sense from the coaching staff that it might be necessary if no trade was forthcoming.
Lakers coaches had grown frustrated with Westbrook’s recent behavior, and he was known to be upset with being openly mentioned in trade discussions. Both sides were ready to move on from an imperfect partnership.
Westbrook wasn’t the only source of the Lakers’ problems, but it seems his displeasure and unhappiness became too much for the team to bear.
Westbrook’s exit was nearly a year in the making (via The Athletic). The Lakers explored trading him at the 2022 trade deadline before more seriously considering it last offseason in potential deals with Brooklyn for Kyrie Irving and Indiana for Myles Turner and Buddy Hield. Those developments being so public naturally affected Westbrook, though he denied it publicly.
Westbrook let the noise get to his head, and it was clear to see for anyone who was paying attention. The best thing for both him and the Lakers was for both sides to split up and move on.
What’s Next For Russ After Lakers Exit?
Westbrook is expected to reach a buyout with his new team any day now, which will make him an unrestricted free agent. Teams like the Clippers and Heat have emerged as suitors, but it’s still a mystery how much money they would be willing to offer Westbrook on a new contract.
Amid all the chaos and mayhem that this deadline season has brought, Westbrook’s future is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing stories in the NBA right now.
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