NBA Rumors: Could this be Russell Westbrook’s final season in the league?

NBA Rumors: Could this be Russell Westbrook’s final season in the NBA? 

Over the past few years of his career, Russell Westbrook has struggled to find a comfort level in the league. The game has quickly transitioned to a more perimeter-oriented game and it has left a few guards such as Westbrook behind a bit.

Westbrook has always struggled with his 3-point shot and he’s relied more on his athleticism throughout his career. And as he’s aged, it’s become a difficult task for Westbrook to be as effective as he’d been early in his career. The new NBA evolution hasn’t helped much, either.

Even though Westbrook has mightily struggled to fit with the Los Angeles Lakers, I don’t believe anyone thought this would be the end for him. But that’s exactly what could be a possibility.

In an interview with Dan LeBatard, Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix mentioned that he wouldn’t be surprised if this was Westbrook’s last season in the NBA.

It would be an unfortunate ending to a hall-of-fame career for Russell Westbrook

Again, this should be taken with a grain of salt. After all, this is one reporter’s thought and probably more of a gut feeling than anything. Mannix is highly connected, though, which probably makes this a bit more credible than just some joe-schmo saying it.

That said, it would be an extremely unfortunate ending to an otherwise hall-of-fame career for Westbrook. But you can see it both ways. Westbrook doesn’t have to play another minute in the NBA. He’s made enough money that he’s probably set for life and doesn’t need the negativity quite honestly.

And we know that Westbrook doesn’t appreciate the negativity, so from that point of view, it wouldn’t be surprising if he did decide to call it quits.

On the other hand, we know Westbrook is a competitor and could still have that drive to want to prove the doubters wrong. That he could evolve his game and play beyond the age of 34. He’s talented enough and athletic enough that he could still play in the league in an altered role.

Is he ever going to be a clear No. 1 or 2 again, probably not. But if he accepts a lesser role, Westbrook could still play in the league. It’s not really about talent and more so about role and mindset.

It would be extremely surprising if Westbrook decided to retire after this season. I can’t say it’s likely at this point.