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There is widespread belief that if Russell Westbrook is traded, he will likely be waived following a buyout. The former MVP’s massive $47 million salary may be too much to take on, particularly if he’s moved to a non-contending team.
If a waiver happens, NBA teams are unlikely to line up to sign the nine-time All-Star. Brian Windhorst, on the Rich Eisen Show, explained why teams may be hesitant to sign the triple-double king.
“I know that there are Russ fans out there who find this absolutely an insult and I’m sure Russ himself clearly doesn’t believe this because he fired his agent over it, but it’s not so much with what his abilities are, it’s what he’s willing to do for a team. It’s what he is willing to accept as a role more than his actual skills.”
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The fiery point guard had a disappointing debut season with the Lakers. He was expected to take some of the load off the shoulders of Anthony Davis and LeBron James, but ended up having his worst season in a decade.
The Lakers were 20-32 when Russell Westbrook was around, but without Davis or “King James.” He struggled when he didn't have the ball in his hands and was even benched on certain occasions.
Windhorst believes that even with Darvin Ham as new head coach, Westbrook is unlikely to get any better.
“That’s where the Lakers are trying to squeeze him into a box. I don’t think it’ll be successful because what Darvin Ham is asking him to do, which is to set screens, play defense first and stand in the corner and be a floor spacer, I don’t think he’s equipped to do that.”
“Maybe if he worked tirelessly over the summer, maybe he would have a shot at it but it seems like he’s spending more time to break out of that situation than to fall into it.”
Russell Westbrook may have an even smaller role in Darvin Ham’s system
During a recent press conference, Darvin Ham explained that he wants the ball in LeBron James’ hands as often as possible next season. The Lakers head coach believes good things will happen when the four-time MVP orchestrates the offense.
Ham’s comments mean Russell Westbrook will only have a minor role to play on offense, with his main task being to help out on defense.
This is similar to what was asked of him by former head coach Frank Vogel, which led to their falling out.
