Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook is set to exercise his $47.1 million player option for the upcoming season as signs continue to point towards him starting the season in Los Angeles.
It comes as little surprise that the 33-year-old opted into the final year of his deal given the drastic hit his market value took over the past season.
Westbrook averaged 18.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg and 7.1 apg this past season in Los Angeles, shooting .444 from the field and .298 from three.
It is expected that Los Angeles will continue their attempts to trade Westbrook, however, there has reportedly been little interest from rival teams at this stage.
Charlotte is a team that has been floated as a potential trade partner, however, Los Angeles’ unwillingness to attach future draft capital has reportedly been a roadblock.
A package consisting of some combination of Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre, Terry Rozier and Mason Plumlee would work financially, however, it would involve the Lakers taking on longer-term salary which they may find unappealing.
Even if a preseason trade does not materialise, the Lakers are expected to continue scouring the market for potential deals up until the deadline.
Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 21)
As polarising as Westbrook is as a player, an expiring contract as pricy as his is a valuable asset for teams eager to clear cap space.
Despite Los Angeles’ disappointing 2021-22 season, the odds of Westbrook starting the season on the roster is looking increasingly likely.
Los Angeles are fresh off a disastrous season in which both LeBron James and Anthony Davis struggled to stay on the court and the team failed to qualify for the postseason.
A tonne of tension surrounded Westbrook, who quarrelled with coaches, teammates, fans and media personalities at different stages and was clearly unsettled by the conclusion of the season.
The former-MVP shot poorly from all areas of the floor, led the league in total turnovers, and failed to make any sort of impact on the defensive end.
The franchise dismissed championship-winning head coach Frank Vogel and hired Milwaukee assistant Darvin Ham to head a revamped coaching staff.
Chris Jent, Jordan Ott, and Rasheed Wallace are among the new names expected to join Ham on his staff, whilst Phil Handy is the only assistant expected to return.
General manager Rob Pelinka will be forced to navigate free agency with very little flexibility.
Error, group does not exist! Check your syntax! (ID: 21)
Austin Reaves, Talen Horton-Tucker, Stanley Johnson, Kendrick Nunn and Wenyen Gabriel are the players expected to return alongside James, Davis, and Westbrook, whilst second-round pick Max Christie will join the team along with undrafted free agents Scotty Pippen, Jr. and Cole Swider, who have both been signed on two-way contracts.
Outside of that group of players, the Lakers will only have a $5.7 million taxpayers mid-level exception and minimum contracts to round out their roster.
