A move surrounding Russell Westbrook of the Los Angeles Lakers is highly unlikely, according to NBA insider Sam Amick. Amick stated that moving Russ’s contract will be a huge challenge for the Lakers.
Westbrook is owed $44.2M this season and has a $47M player option for the 2022-2023 season. The Lakers have been in play-in territory for most of the season so far, however they have faced several injury issues since the start of the season.
(via Sports Illustrated):
“A deal appears extremely unlikely before the Feb. 10 trade deadline, if only because his deal that was once seen by so many as un-tradable is such a massive obstacle.”
Things have not unfolded as planned for the Lakers nor Westbrook. Even with Anthony Davis on the floor, the pairing of Westbrook with James and AD has not worked so well so far this season.
While his contract seems unmovable, Russ is not new to changing teams in the midst of the season. Westbrook has been traded three times since he signed his super-max extension with Oklahoma City in 2017.
If the Lakers cannot find a way to make things work with the former MVP, they may opt to move him before the trade deadline. The team is showing some encouraging signs in the last few games, however they do not seem like a legit title contender as of now.
