Russell Westbrook is making things awkward, and perhaps even difficult, for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Many were surprised when the offseason ended with the Los Angeles Lakers electing to not trade Russell Westbrook. Even though there’s still an expectation that Russ will be moved at some point before the NBA Trade Deadline, I’m not so sure that carrying him on the roster into the start of the regular season was the best idea.
And we may be perhaps seeing a few possible reasons why before even the regular season officially starts. During a preseason game Wednesday night, there were a couple of signs that could point to trouble ahead between Westbrook and the Lakers.
The Los Angeles Lakers must make a decision on Russell Westbrook
In this first video, Westbrook is seeing not being a part of the Lakers pre-game huddle (for whatever reason), remaining off to the side, and pretty much doing his own thing.
A Russell Westbrook clip where he's seen away from another huddle is making the rounds.
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 13, 2022
If you peep the entire video, though, Russ was with his Lakers teammates at the start. 👀
(🎥 _michaelmorales10/IG) pic.twitter.com/y72eF9dDni
Then, in the second video, Westbrook refused to join a mid-game, small huddle. You know, the ones that get assembled right after a foul or just before some free-throw shots.
It's the preseason and I don't read much into anything. But if I were to read too much into something.......... pic.twitter.com/Hgcb91PNu5
— Jacob Rude (@JacobRude) October 13, 2022
Maybe there are legit reasons why Russ was not a part of these two respective huddles. Though, it’s absolutely not a good look. The optics are terrible and will only get worse.
This is not what the Lakers need in their lives. If the Lakers want to genuinely change the narrative on their recent history, they don’t need Westbrook, especially him, to begin to make a mess out of this entire situation.
Again, there may be some legitimate reasons for Westbrook’s decisions on both accounts. But it just is not a good look. And as soon as things begin to sour in Los Angeles, these are the type of things that are going to be highlighted.
The Lakers were already entering the season with a microscope around everything they do. It’s only going to get bigger with this latest piece of evidence from Westbrook and the team.
Both Westbrook and the Lakers have some figuring out to do, and perhaps some understanding of each other. A divorce is coming between the Lakers and Westbrook either way after this season, but it’s looking more and more like one may have to come before.
The regular season is only a few days away. It’ll be interesting to see what the next chapter will include between the Lakers and Westbrook.