Russell Westbrook’s relationship with the Lakers has reportedly reached breaking point.
Los Angeles officials currently see it as “impossible” for Westbrook to remain on a team that enters next season amid mounting tensions between the seasoned point guard and coaching staff, according to NBA insider Mark Stein.
Stein added that Westbrook, 33, reportedly showed “defiance” when coaches and teammates approached him about changing his role.
The Lakers, 27-35, who have lost four times in a row, are currently ninth in the Western Conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with the #2 seed of the West, the Warriors, 43-20.
The report comes on the heels of enlightening comments Westbrook made following the Lakers’ devastating loss to the Clippers on Thursday night.
The former MVP told reporters that his role “changed every night,” adding that he’s still trying to figure out how best to help the team, according to ESPN. However, Westbrook said the expectations he had for himself remain “the same”. “.
“I’m not a quitter. It’s not in my genes. I’m not giving up no matter what the hell happens,” Westbrook said. “I will fight to the end, and if it doesn’t work out, that’s cool too. I can live with the results. But I’m never going to give up or give up because of a little struggle that happens at this time of year.”
Barring a sudden turnaround, the Lakers are poised to sit out the postseason for the second time since the 2018–19 season, signifying an early start to a difficult decision-making offseason for general manager Rob Pelinka.
Westbrook, acquired by Los Angeles last August in a blockbuster deal with Kyle Kuzma, could become a free agent in the offseason if he waives his $47 million option. If he agrees, the Lakers will have a hard time finding a fan, as they did during the trade deadline in February.
Davis’ injuries — he’s missed 25 games (and still growing) this season — combined with the Lakers’ age and lack of depth, have made the team’s overall season tough. Questionable punch selection and Westbrook’s decision making placed him at the center of the turmoil as he struggled to fit into Vogel’s system and find a rhythm along with James.
Westbrook’s poor performance eventually led Vogel to leave the nine-time All-Star at the end of last month’s games, drawing criticism from the point guard himself. In the season, he averages 18.1 points per game, the lowest since his second season in the NBA, 7.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 3.3 assists per game, while shooting 43% from the field .
Westbrook’s return to the City of Angels followed a year-long stint with the Rockets and Wizards. He will turn 34 in November.
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