Russell Westbrook is one of the most polarizing superstars ever. If you look at the record books, his name will pop up many times. He is one of the only two players to average a triple-double for a season, and he did so for 3 consecutive years. The Los Angeles Lakers guard has the most career triple-doubles in NBA history. Russ also became the first player to lead the league in points and assist in multiple seasons.

All of this looks good on paper, but his impact on the court is sometimes questionable. Russ played for the Oklahoma City Thunder for 11 years before having short, but forgettable stints with the Houston Rockets and the Washington Wizards. In 2021, Westbrook was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers to form a big-3 with superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Russ’s forgettable season with the Lakers

There were big expectations from the newly-formed star trio of the Lakers. However, the season ended in an embarrassing fashion for the Lakers as they couldn’t even clinch a play-in spot. The season was marred with questionable decisions by the front office and a lack of effort from the roster.

Russell Westbrook ended up playing the most games for the Lakers in a season full of injuries to other players. Anthony Davis played just 40 games, while LeBron James played 56.

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It was a horrific season for everyone connected to the Lakers and some massive changes were expected in the offseason. Darvin Ham, Milwaukee Bucks’ assistant coach, replaced the departing head coach Frank Vogel. Westbrook was highly favored to be traded, as things just hadn’t worked out for anyone involved.

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According to sources, plans to trade Russ have been halted for now and there is a belief that he may start next season with the purple and gold. It is not surprising to see as moving Westbrook’s contract is one of the hardest deals in the league.

He is slated to earn about $47 Million next year and with his diminishing qualities, it is going to be tough. Even if some teams are willing to take on his contract, the Lakers won’t get much in return.

Fans thrash the decision taken by Lakers

As soon as reports of the Lakers’ willingness to continue with Westbrook emerged, fans didn’t hold back on the decision.

The Lakers will hope things work out with the new coach as they don’t have much room for changes in the roster. Only time will tell how the next season pans out for the Lakers. What are your thoughts on the Lakers’ decision to stick with Russ? Let us know in the comments.

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