“I would buy Westbrook out, not play him and stink for another year” Colin Cowherd believes Russell Westbrook and Los Angeles Lakers ‘MESS’ will not be solved quickly


“I would buy Westbrook out, not play him and stink for another year” Colin Cowherd believes Russell Westbrook and Los Angeles Lakers ‘MESS’ will not be  solved quickly

Colin Cowherd on Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook

Los Angeles Lakers are looking to answer the question regarding the Russell Westbrook case, though it is not a very constructive one. Collin Cowherd gave his final verdict on the situation, which may not go down well with the Laker-nation.

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Russell Westbrook entered Hollywood with a lot of expectations and fared poorly the whole season. Many even considered him as the main culprit for the poor performance of the team, failing to qualify for the play-in series too. Now that Los Angeles Lakers are looking to make corrections following a disastrous season, they find themselves in a difficult situation regarding the newly acquired Westbrook. Many reports suggest that they will keep Westbrook for another year and hope for a better outcome, but Colin Cowherd looks at the situation differently and put forward a reality check that will not be a good report for LA Lakers fans.

As per Cowherd, the Lakers will be “forced” to keep Westbrook and he will fail again if he enters the court. It would be better to keep him out and have a bad season. Listening to this, cowherd might face huge backlash considering the Lakers fan base and their loyalty.

The condition of Russell Westbrook at the Los Angeles Lakers has no quick fix as per Colin Cowherd

Russell Westbrook Signing for Los Angeles Lakers
Russell Westbrook Signing for Los Angeles Lakers

Talking to the Los Angeles Lakers, who are not even competing in the playoffs, in midst of conference finals, was something that Cowherd was not looking for. Clearly, he had many topics in mind and wanted to give his “final” word on Russell Westbrook and Los Angeles Lakers. That is kind of ruthless and even harsh on the Lakers’ fan base.

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As per the Athletic reports, Los Angeles Lakers are looking for trade options around Russell Westbrook, but the teams negotiating for the player are demanding the inclusion of 1st round pick, which the LA team is reluctant to do. Leaving them stuck with former MVP.

Westbrook can technically become a free agent and leave his hometown franchise this summer, but all indications point to Westbrook exercising his $47.1 million player option. This will make him a Lakers in the offseason and the franchise has no say in it, as per contract.

The Lakers have four options with Westbrook: first, they can trade him seems very difficult with league teams not helping on negotiations, secondly waive and stretching him could cost a lot of money; thirdly, run it back with him next season – hoping to see old Russ on the court or 4th option would be to buy him out which would involve bit criticism and also money.

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As per Colin Cowherd, the situation is not easily and quickly solvable. Ruling out the first three options due to most uncertainty involved in it, he suggests that the Lakers should buy him out and keep him on the bench as ball-dominant Westbrook couldn’t gel well with the team.

For the 2022 regular season, Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists per game as a Laker player. As a Member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, the stats are not much intriguing considering the teammates he had. And it was obvious that he wasn’t a great fit alongside Anthony Davis and LeBron James.  

Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis And LeBron James
Lakers Big 3 – Anthony Davis, LeBron James and Russell Westbrook

He said, “This is not a problem that may be solvable quickly. I would buy Westbrook out, not play him and stink for another year.” The last line would not go well with Los Angeles Lakers fans or even with Russ supporters.

Los Angeles Lakers are currently looking to fill in the head coach position, who might guide them in the right direction and may even prove everyone wrong using a similar core next season.

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