One of the storylines that is sure to dominate headlines this NBA offseason is what will happen with Los Angeles Lakers point guard, Russell Westbrook. Given how things transpired this season, it would seem likely that he will be on the move for the fourth consecutive offseason, but that is easier said than done.
Following his exit meeting on Monday with the front office, Westbrook talked with some media members. He had a lot to say, touching on numerous subjects including his relationship with Frank Vogel, in addition to LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
Another subject that was discussed was his player option for the 2022-23 season. Westbrook has an option worth $47 million next season. He was asked if he was going to exercise that option and his answer may surprise some people.
“Umm, I’ll make the decision,” he said. “That’s why it’s called ‘player option.'”
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Russell Westbrook Reveals Thoughts On His Performance For Lakers
Lakers vice president of basketball operations and general manager Rob Pelinka did not commit to giving the James-Davis-Westbrook group another chance next season, should Westbrook opt-in.
“Like any player, we’ll partner with him after that decision is made about what’s best for his future,” Pelinka said. “Rest assured, we’re going to look under every stone for ways to be better and be open to anything that will improve our team and will put us in a position to compete at a higher level next year than we did this year.”
It would be arguably the biggest surprise in NBA history should Westbrook not exercise his option for next season. It seemed like a foregone conclusion that he would pick that option up, as he isn’t going to come close to $47 million per season on his next contract given his recent production and age.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Russell Westbrook Reveals Thoughts On His Performance For Lakers
That option is the biggest obstacle that the Lakers have to work around this offseason. Moving him will be nearly impossible, as very few teams can afford him and the ones that can aren’t lining up to acquire him.
If he shocks the world and declines the option, the Los Angeles Lakers will have some wiggle room to shuffle their roster and won’t have to surrender any more draft capital. It has been reported that it could take multiple draft picks for any team to take on Russell Westbrook.
LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Russell Westbrook Reveals Thoughts On His Performance For Lakers
Los Angeles is already short on draft capital, so surrendering even more without receiving some impact players in return could be too much for the franchise to stomach.
