Last season’s offseason laid the groundwork for the LA Lakers’ miserable season. The front office was taken aback by the idea of adding a third superstar to the LeBron James-Anthony Davis duo. Considering Davis’ injury history and LeBron going into his 19th season, the idea of adding a third star to the mix was not a terrible one. To everyone’s amazement, the franchise acquired Russell Westbrook.
And fair to say that, from the get-go, Westbrook wasn’t an ideal fit alongside James and Davis. The Lakers failed to play Brodie to his strengths, therefore he was thrown under the bus for the lackluster season. He could not be his most effective variant alongside James and AD in the system run by Frank Vogel.
The point guard’s future is currently the buzz of the town. He has been the subject of trade whispers throughout the offseason. The Lakers and Westbrook are said to no longer want to be engaged. No other teams, however, are believed to be interested in acquiring his talents.
In fact, NBA Insider Tim Bontemps believes that Westbrook could see the exit gates of the league after his time with the Lakers comes to a halt.
Tim Bontemps on Russell Westbrook: ‘He might be out of the league after the Lakers’ https://t.co/JzYRx9zhZU
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) July 22, 2022
Russ has never been a bad player. However, after a season he had in which the Lakers went from championship contenders to not even making the play-in, one’s worth is sure to be tainted.
Will a market for Russell Westbrook emerge in the coming weeks?
Russell Westbrook went from averaging a triple-double for the Washington Wizards to posting mediocre numbers for the Lakers.
While 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists aren’t horrible numbers, Brodie’s inefficiency makes them appear such.
Russell Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists in 78 games last season for the Lakers.
Only four other players averaged 18/7/7 for the season: Nikola Jokić, James Harden, Dejounte Murray and Luka Doncic.
Is the Westbrook hate getting out of hand?
pic.twitter.com/5TnoYAXb0M
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) July 18, 2022
The Lakers now find themselves in a tough situation as no team is willing to go the Russ route. The Lakers gave up young blood and draft compensation to acquire his talents. Now, they find themselves in a position where even if they get half of what they gave for Westbrook would be considered a success.
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However, the team understands that a deal cannot be struck without the addition of draft picks or young talent in addition to Westbrook. Considering his age (34) and the hefty contract, he is no longer regarded as a valuable asset.
Russell Westbrook and the Lakers seem to be headed toward 'an inevitable divorce,' per @jovanbuha
Splitting with his longtime agent has added to the perception Russ has become more difficult to deal with. pic.twitter.com/jjhORX2yr8
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 18, 2022
The Lakers’ front office is now faced with a challenging task. Will they be able to find a new home for Russell Westbrook or will they be forced to run it back? Only time will tell.
The post Russell Westbrook Gets A Brutal Reality Check on His Career After LeBron James’ Lakers: “Might Be Out Of The League…” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
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