This offseason was all about Russell Westbrook trade rumors as far as the Lakers were concerned. A failure to move the former NBA MVP was viewed as a mistake by the team’s front office.
Then the season began and Los Angeles struggled on the court, opening the year with five straight losses. Russ was then removed from the starting lineup by the head coach Darvin Ham.
Although that did not immediately solve the Lakers’ problems, Westbrook started playing much better as a leader of the second unit. The trade rumors have faded.
It seems that the teams around the league think that the Purple and Gold may stick with the superstar now that he is contributing in his new role.
According Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, some NBA executives believe that the Lakers could keep Westbrook if he continues to produce off the bench.
This season the 34-year-old point guard is averaging 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 7.7 assists in 28.9 minutes per game.
