Ever since joining the Los Angeles Lakers, not many have gone in favor of Russell Westbrook. He had a horrendous regular season, where he became the person to be blamed for all of the Lakers’ troubles.
Due to his poor performance last season, his relationship with LeBron James seems to be as bad as it could get. The two players maintained their distance even when they were present at the same game during the NBA Summer League.
The final nail in the coffin is that Russ fired his agent of 14 years. It has recently become a hot topic of discussion for everyone around the league. Most believe that his agent might have suggested Russ opt out of his $47 million player option and take a longer deal.
Regardless, the majority of people haven’t taken Westbrook’s side. But NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has a different opinion on the matter. He explained in the latest episode of The Big Podcast why he supports Russ’ decision to part ways with his agent.
(Starts at 31:15)
Via The Big Podcast:
“So, Russ is a good friend of mine, and I don’t wanna say what I don’t know, so I’m going to speculate. They probably had a beef about what Russ should do. And if I’m Russ, because of how things played out last year, Imma make them pay me this $47 million. I’m not gonna opt out so they can lowball me.
‘Cause you didn’t play $47 million-type B-Ball, right? Be honest. It was a down year for whatever. He knows that. But you owe me this 47. Let me go and take this 47. Get back to Russ, then we can renegotiate because if you opt out now, they not gonna pay you the 47. They’re gonna say, ‘You lost it. You didn’t do this. This is what you did last year.’
Forget the years he averaged a triple-double where he earn that 47 million. They’re gonna talk about what did you do last year? Shooting off the side of the backboard. It didn’t even make the playoffs. We can’t give you 47 million. Let’s bring it down to 20 so we can get some younger players.
So, if I’m Russ, I’m taking that. So, his agent was probably saying, ‘Hey, forget that. Let’s do this and get a long-term deal,’ and they just couldn’t come to parts. But, see, that’s the problem your agent has to work for you. Your agent should only make suggestions after you make statements.”
Shaq explained in detail how his agent ultimately worked for him. And before making any rash suggestions, he should think twice about it.
Considering how rapidly Russell Westbrook is declining, he might not get another huge contract in the NBA. So it’s quite understandable that Brodie wanted to secure the bag and make a lot of money in case he had to take a smaller contract next season.
