Report: Westbrook to use $47 million option to stay with Lakers
Russell Westbrook will exercise his $47 million player option to continue playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The fate of Russell Westbrook has been the subject of much speculation recently, particularly after the disastrous season that the Los Angeles Lakers just had. It seems that the rumors will soon be laid to rest, after reports indicate that the 2017 NBA MVP will utilize his player option to continue suiting up for the Lakers.
Russell Westbrook to beat Wednesday deadline
“Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook is planning to exercise his $47.1 million option to return to the franchise for the 2022-2023 season,” according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.
Wojnarowski adds that Westbrook’s agent Thad Foucher of Wasserman Basketball will file the paperwork on Tuesday. The point guard has until Wednesday to exercise his option.
The nine-time NBA All-Star has been seen as having a large contributing role to the dismal performance of the Lakers in the 2021-2022 season, where they finished 11th in the Western Conference with a 33-49 record and failed to make the Play-in Tournament.
New Lakers coach has faith in Westbrook
Newly minted Lakers head coach Darvin Ham however defended the 33-year-old, saying that he was still one of the players in the NBA with a lot more left to offer.
There had been reports that Westbrook would be traded to the Indiana Pacers, even as he had indicated earlier this year that he wished to stay with Los Angeles despite their disappointing performance.
He has said he wanted to get another chance to share the court with Lakers greats LeBron James and Anthony Davis, with whom he only played only 21 games.