Lakers, Russell Westbrook Were Ready to Move On From ‘Untenable’ Pairing

The relationship between Russell Westbrook and the Lakers was fairly rocky from the start, at least in terms of Westbrook’s fit on the floor alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

Lately, though, it seemed to be deteriorating in all aspects, as relayed by Jovan Buha of The Athletic, who cited sources in reporting that the “situation had become untenable over the past week or so.”

Therefore, Buha added, both Westbrook and the Lakers were ready to move on from each other. And that is exactly what is about to happen — with the Lakers agreeing to trade Westbrook to the Jazz in a three-team, eight-player deal that will deliver Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell and Jazz shooting guard Malik Beasley and power forward Jarred Vanderbilt to the Lakers.

Westbrook is expected to reach agreement on a contract buyout with the Jazz, allowing him to enter free agency upon clearing waivers.

“Now, Westbrook can hit the buyout market and play for a team that wants him,” Buha wrote.

The Bulls and Clippers are among the teams that would have an interest in Westbrook should that Jazz buyout be reached, per Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. The Hornets, Wizards, Nets and Mavericks could also have him on their radar as well, added Brandon Robinson of Bally Sports.

Wherever Westbrook lands next will undoubtedly be interesting to follow. If he would up with the Clippers, he would be able to stay in his hometown of Los Angeles and join Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, as well as play for a team that is, right now, better than the Lakers.

Or imagine him in Dallas coming off the bench behind Luka Doncic and recently acquired Kyrie Irving. Or how about teaming up with Kevin Durant in Brooklyn?

For Westbrook, there is only one obvious hope — that wherever he goes next will work out significantly better than his run with the Lakers.

The Lakers-Westbrook situation had become untenable over the past week or so, multiple team and league sources close to the situation told @TheAthletic. Both sides were ready to move on from a partnership that never really made sense to begin with: https://t.co/YfLVQ1VTwX

— Jovan Buha (@jovanbuha) February 9, 2023