There are only a few weeks till the training camps begin. The Lakers appear to have a lot of work to do on the bench. After spending almost the whole postseason looking for a trade for 2017 MVP Russell Westbrook, it is now evident that a deal is not going to happen.

As a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary team, Russel Westbrook will not recall the 2021/2022 season fondly. With all the elites in the squad like Lebron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers bought in the veteran guard to strengthen the squad. This trade made headlines, but the big three failed to lead the team to another title. Since the beginning, the trio’s chemistry has been questioned.

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“If he accepts that, then he’s no longer Russell Westbrook.” NBA insider

The 2022-2023 season is almost around the corner. The Lakers appear to be heading into the upcoming season with Westbrook on the roster. ESPN’s NBA insider Ramona Shelburne discussed Westbrook’s buyout in a recent podcast on The Lowe post. She said, “This is a guy who is very proud, and if you accept a buyout once in your career, you’re seen differently throughout the rest of your career. … If he accepts that, then he’s no longer Russell Westbrook.” 

She further added to support her statement “Russ is Russ because of his swagger and the way he bleeds with it, the way he plays with it,” she said. “You can’t retreat from that. You can’t let go of that because that’s what made Russ, Russ — it’s his swagger. If he accepts that, then he’s no longer Russell Westbrook.”

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Watch This Story: Will Lakers Trade Russell Westbrook Before NBA Trade Deadline?

Why should Westbrook reject the buyout?

Accepting a buyout undoubtedly changes a player’s reputation, as the world has seen. The value decreases while the player remains the same. The best example is Carmelo Anthony’s buyout back in 2018. The NBA insider feels Westbrook will avoid this scenario. Russell’s greatest opportunity of regaining his form after a difficult season is looking possible if he sticks with The Lakers and accepts the bench role. Russell’s true ability can be seen only when he has the ball in his hands, not merely when he shares the court with great names like LeBron James and Anthony Davis.