There is no other way to categorize the 2021-22 Los Angeles Lakers than as a disappointment. With a 28-35 record and the play-in tournament in question, many factors played a role in the team’s shortcomings. One of the more publicized issues involves newly acquired point guard Russell Westbrook and his failure in effectively assisting the Lakers with their once-promising Championship aspirations.
Last summer, Los Angeles acquired Westbrook from the Wizards. In exchange, Washington received Kyle Kuzma, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Montrez Harrell, and the 22nd-overall pick in 2021. In a deal highly-influence by Lebron James, Westbrook’s insertion into the Lakers’ roster created a new “big three” and the makings of a new “super team” in Los Angeles.
Unfortunately, Westbrook’s season mirrors Los Angeles’s. The marriage between the player and organizations has not worked.
Shocking to no one, the ball-dominant point guard has struggled to mesh with Lebron and Anthony Davis. Westbrook possesses little desire to serve as the team’s third option. However, he continues to struggle even when the offense runs through him.
In 62 games, Westbrook averages 18.1 points, 7.6 total rebounds, and 7.2 assists. On the surface, those numbers are not terrible. However, Westbrook’s shooting efficiency is poor, considering his high usage rate. According to Cleaning the Glass, Westbrook’s shooting percentage ranks below the 50th-percentile among point guards in every area except corner three’s. He is not cashing in on enough chances for someone demanding a heavy shot volume.
Trading for Westbrook will undoubtedly go down as one of the more significant mistakes during GM Rob Pelinka’s tenure. In what should be a busy offseason, Westbrook’s departure from Los Angeles seems all but inevitable. However, moving on from the 33-year-old point guard won’t be easy.
No Chance Russell Westbrook Returns
How could Westbrook possibly return to the Lakers next season? The simple answer is that he can’t.
Without sounding too dramatic, the Los Angeles Lakers are a broken basketball team. The roster and possibly coaching personnel needs a major facelift.
Once again, to the surprise of no one, Westbrook is a significant reason for the fracture plaguing the Lakers. His inability to alter his playing style to better suit the team as a whole has prevented Los Angeles from making the necessary changes on the court to turn the tide potentially. It is also well-documented that Westbrook has resisted any attempt by the coaching staff to switch up his role. Westbrook is no longer the dominant guard he once was. His failure to take any advice or at least recognize the need for adjustments is both inexcusable and unrepairable.
Pelinka and the rest of the Lakers’ brass cannot enter the offseason driven to turn Los Angeles back into a title contender with Lebron and believe that Westbrook is a part of the solution. Again, he may not be the sole catalyst in the organization’s troubles. At the same time, the guard is undoubtedly a part of the problem.
Trade Won’t Come Easy
If this were NBA 2K22, trading away Westbrook would be simple. Thank you, trade finder. Unfortunately, the Lakers are not living in a video game. Finding a suitor for a potentially toxic point guard past his prime will not be simple.
Although his relationship with the Lakers is doomed, Westbrook will opt-in on his $47.1 million player option for next season. Even if he knows that Los Angeles is not the right place for him, there is no way he denies himself from that kind of payload, especially when a new deal elsewhere would not even come close.
With opting-in on the player option, the Lakers will look to find a suitor for their $47 million unwanted asset. As one can imagine, teams won’t be chomping at the bit to help Los Angeles out and acquire Westbrook. Yes, the franchise may decide to buy him out. However, that leads to a hefty chunk of change taking up space for the next three years. Also not an ideal situation.
No matter how the Lakers will find a way to rid themselves of Russell Westbrook before next season. Considering that he is an expiring contract, there is likely a trade partner. The organization just needs to get creative.
Eliminating Westbrook from the picture may not solve all of the Lakers’ problems. There are a lot of them. Still, it is a start.
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