The Los Angeles Lakers have officially missed the playoffs in the 2021-22 NBA season. LA will need serious improvement this offseason to return to contender status.
The Lakers will likely prioritize finding a way to rid themselves of PG Russell Westbrook. The 33-year-old guard led LA in games and minutes played, total assists, and total rebounds this year.
Westbrook was also second to LeBron James in total points scored for the Lakers this season. Despite his contributions, there are rumblings that Los Angeles sees him as the most expendable of their stars.
Per a recent Marc Stein report, LA may even be willing to use the stretch-provision to move on from Westbrook.
“A straight release of Westbrook that essentially transforms his mammoth player option for next season into what lives on their books as a three-year deal in the $15 million range annually would move the Lakers out of luxury-tax territory and make it far easier for them to retain free agent-to-be Malik Monk, who at times has unexpectedly appeared to be the Lakers’ most dependable player not named LeBron James throughout a nightmarish 31-48 campaign.”
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Per Stein, the Lakers may consider this move as a way to reshape the roster. It is unlikely they will be able to find suitors for Westbrook via trade, due to his large contract.
Waiving Westbrook and stretching his contract, will afford the Lakers more cap space this offseason. As Stein mentions, it will help them re-sign Malik Monk, a top performer for the team this season. The move would also allow LA to sign free agents to improve their depth for a potential title run.
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LeBron James is under contract for one more season with LA, so it would be logical for the Lakers to make desperate moves to contend next season. Stretching Russell Westbrook’s contract should be a last resort, but the Los Angeles Lakers will consider it as they look to contend immediately.
