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Russell Westbrook has been the subject of trade rumors for the last few weeks following his poor season with the Lakers. Despite the team's best efforts, they haven't been able to offload the former MVP.
His underwhelming play last season has made him difficult to trade. Another underlying issue is his $47 million salary for the 2022-23 season. Teams have demanded first-round picks from LA, but they aren't interested in giving up draft assets, which is why Westbrook is still on the roster.
The Indiana Pacers and Brooklyn Nets reportedly had discussions with LA. The Dallas Mavericks also entered the race recently. However, NBA reporter Tim MacMahon dismissed these rumors on the "Hoops Collective" podcast.
"So you guys told me that you'd heard that and I checked in, I got a very quick, 'Hell no,' said MacMahon while dismissing Westbrook-Mavericks trade rumors.
Westbrook averaged 18.5 points per game in 78 appearances last season. He looked like a shadow of his former self, which is why no team has shown a strong enough desire to sign him.
Will Russell Westbrook be able to redeem himself if he stays with the Lakers next season?
Russell Westbrook is widely regarded as one of the most athletic players in the NBA. He is a triple-double threat on a nightly basis and can hurt defenses in transition. However, the former MVP has faced considerable criticism since the 2021-22 season.
Lakers coach Darvin Ham, however, is confident about making things work with Westbrook. One of the biggest takeaways from Ham's recent press conference was his emphasis on Westbrook's defense.
Ham expects Russ to be a strong defensive presence. However, Westbrook has never been an ace defender. He is a strong guard and can lock players up using his athleticism.
Next season could prove to be the most important of his career. His future in the league depends on how he performs. If he remains with the team, he will have to figure out a way to adapt to Ham's style of play.
Guess the Lakers players!
