Welp. Here we go. The Los Angeles Lakers are right back at square one with Russell Westbrook. Every option they had seemingly just fell through.
Everyone thought they were going to be able to get Kyrie Irving after his drama-filled start to the week with the Nets, but ultimately Irving decided to opt-in and stay in Brooklyn…for now.
They’ve also been attached to John Wall, who didn’t play at last season with the Houston Rockets. He recently opted in on his deal for next season as well, but he secured a contract buyout and is reportedly heading to the Clippers.
Two huge options off the table. So what were the Lakers left with? Russell Westbrook — once again. The former All-Star guard picked up his $47 million option with the team on Tuesday, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski
ESPN Sources: Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook is planning to exercise his $47.1 million option to return to the franchise for the 2022-2023 season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2022
How’d he celebrate? By turning up to Beyoncé in the car. Not a bad vibe, to say the least.
But the Lakers are probably singing an entirely different tune right now. It’s no secret the team has been trying to get off of Westbrook’s contract this offseason so they can make moves to improve their team from last year. Good luck finding anyone willing to take on a $47 million deal, though.
The Lakers are going to need to figure this thing out and figure it out quickly. Here’s what the options are. And let me warn you now, Lakers fans — there’s not a lot to love here for your team.
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