Russell Westbrook was the Los Angeles Lakers' scapegoat for most of the season. That was unfair and uncalled for, but that's also what comes with making $ 47 million and playing for one of the top franchises in the NBA.
Now, it doesn't seem like Westbrook wants to stay in L.A. a day longer, and rightfully so. But trading his massive contract will be easier said than done, especially as the Lakers refuse to give up draft picks to move him.
Westbrook's Former Agent Spills The Tea
Westbrook is eager to leave town. He even fired his agent Thad Foucher after 14 years of working together. Shockingly, the agent didn't go down quietly and released a statement explaining his side of the story:
“Now, with a possibility of a fourth trade in four years, the marketplace is telling the Lakers they must add additional value with Russell in any trade scenario. And even then, such a trade may require Russell to immediately move on from the new team via buyout," the statement read.He Should Stay In L.A.
Foucher explained how he tried to convince Westbrook to stay in Los Angeles to drive his value up again. The point guard, however, didn't seem to feel the same way:
“My belief is that this type of transaction only serves to diminish Russell’s value and his best option is to stay with the Lakers, embrace the starting role and support that Darvin Ham publicly offered. Russell is a first-ballot Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame player and will prove that again before he is retired," Foucher added.Who's To Blame Now?
Westbrook has bounced around the league and has failed to find a loving fanbase since leaving Oklahoma City. Per Jovan Buha of The Athletic, team officials aren't buying his side of the story anymore:
"Another trade would mean Westbrook has played on five teams in five years," Buha explained. "At some point, that amount of movement for a star player suggests the player is the problem, fair or not. Westbrook’s go-to defense that he’s continually misunderstood can only last so long."Things Could Get Ugly
Westbrook reportedly didn't take criticism lightly and refused to be accountable when called out for his defensive miscues. Now, Buha believes the situation could escalate drastically if the Lakers don't find him a new home:
"This situation seems like it will only get uglier," Buha added. "Barring an unprecedented increase in self-awareness by Westbrook and a willingness to adapt his game, it’s become even more clear the Lakers are better off without Westbrook next season."Westbrook wanted to go back home and play for one of the most popular teams in the world. Well, that's why you have to be careful what you wish for.
]]>The Inquisitr
