After a disappointing first season with the Lakers, Russell Westbrook is only focused on his future in Los Angeles. Westbrook’s teammates and Lakers brass seem to be optimistic about a future with him in it, too.
Throughout the offseason, Westbrook’s name was consistently mentioned in trade talks, leading many to believe his days in LA were numbered. As the dust settled and the team headed to its training facility in El Segundo, Calif. for Media Day, Westbrook was indeed in attendance and ready to get to work.
Given the trade talks of the summer, it’s fair to wonder whether or not Westbrook still feels wanted in Los Angeles. According to him, it doesn’t make a difference.
MORE: Biggest questions facing Lakers in 2022-23
“Whether they want me or not doesn’t really matter, honestly,” the former MVP told reporters at Media Day. “My job is to be a professional, show up to work like I’ve always done thus far — do my job the best way I know how to, and that’s it.”
Russell Westbrook on if he feels wanted by the Lakers pic.twitter.com/tN1OoKYocO
— Mark Medina (@MarkG_Medina) September 26, 2022
Westbrook continued by adding a real-world example and saying “we all have jobs that sometimes people at our jobs don’t like us or don’t want us there … I have to do my job and do it the best way I know how to be able to support and take care of my family.”
While this is just his second season in Los Angeles, it is the final year of Westbrook’s contract. He’s set to earn just over $47 million during the 2022-23 season before entering free agency next summer when he’ll be 34 years old.
In a recent interview with ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Westbrook spoke at length about his struggles on the court last season, speaking a similar sentiment about whether or not he’s wanted in LA and adding “there’s so much optimism on how we can be great, how (Anthony Davis), LeBron, myself — can be unstoppable.”
Last season, the Lakers hobbled their way to a 33-49 record, missing the postseason entirely. A big part of that record? The fact that the trio of Davis, James and Westbrook only shared the floor for 21 games.
James, who recently signed an extension to commit to the Lakers through at least the 2023-24 season, sounded just as optimistic about a bounce-back year from Westbrook.
MORE: How LeBron’s contract extension impacts Lakers’ long-term plans
“I look forward to being a part of the journey with him this year,” James said of Westbrook. “It’s going to be a great year for him. We’re going to be right there with him. We’re here and it starts tomorrow — it’s all about putting in the work.”
“It’s gonna be a great year for him. We’re going to be right there with him.”
-LeBron on Russell Westbrook’s fit with the Lakers pic.twitter.com/EZJ5Wp0jFz
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 26, 2022
Add Lakers general manager Rob Pelinka and first-year head coach Darvin Ham to the list of people with high expectations for Westbrook. Both Pelinka and Ham made sure to stress the buy-in displayed by the 15-year veteran, suggesting that it will pay dividends for this team.
“[Westbrook’s] been awesome.” – Darvin Ham and Rob Pelinka talk about the communication and trust the front office has developed with Russell Westbrook during the offseason. #LakersMediaDay pic.twitter.com/HtPz5DZXMy
— Spectrum SportsNet (@SpectrumSN) September 26, 2022
Westbrook is coming off of a year in which he averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists per game but his averages don’t exactly illustrate his complicated fit with other teammates. That lack of chemistry resulted in trade rumors and the biggest questions facing the Lakers this season.
The good thing for LA is that things can’t get much worse than they were last season. At the very least, there is optimism that the team can figure things out.
With a number of changes abound, we’ll see if the Lakers can figure it out.
Hits: 0
