Los Angeles Lakers: Buyout off the table for Russell Westbrook?

The option of a buyout may be off the table for the Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook. 

Roughly two weeks before the start of training camp, there is still plenty to figure out for the Los Angeles Lakers. With Russell Westbrook being at the forefront of what they may still need to iron out before the start of the season.

Russ has been on trade alert ever since the start of the offseason. Nevertheless, nothing has quite materialized so far this offseason and it will lead to the Lakers likely heading into the new season with him still on the roster – even despite possibly acquiring his replacement in Patrick Beverley.

A resolution will eventually come between the Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook

Even though Russ is still technically on the roster, the overwhelming belief is that a resolution will eventually come between the two sides. While a trade is probably the best-case scenario for both sides, you can’t rule out the possibility of a buyout considering Russ is in the final year of his current contract.

Or can you?

According to a recent report, there’s a belief that Russ would not be open to accepting a buyout. If this report is accurate, it could make everything that much more difficult for the Lakers to maneuver. Especially if they continue to refuse to be willing to offer multiple first-round draft picks to get a deal done.

It’s not just that Russ is a bad player at this point in his career. In fact, you can make an argument that he’s actually not. It’s more of the fit that doesn’t make sense for the Lakers with their current core.

Russ is not a good fit with LeBron James and Anthony Davis and it’s on the Lakers to correct that before it’s too late. The hope – and expectation – is that the Lakers will figure things out at some point this season before the NBA Trade Deadline.

And with a buyout off the table, it could be a trade or bust for the Lakers when it comes to finding Russ a new home.