NBA insider gives insight into Russell Westbrook’s future

If you’re a fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, you might want to prepare yourself for a season full of Russell Westbrook, whether you like it or not.

Adrian Wojnarowski stopped by ESPN to throw cold water on any Los Angeles fans hoping Westbrook would leave the team after a dismal start to the season.

“I think a Russell Westbrook move to the bench is probably inevitable…Utah, Indiana, who the Lakers talked to a lot this offseason, told me they haven’t heard from the Lakers this season yet.”

— @wospn pic.twitter.com/UzLoEwgpIs

— Clutch Points (@ClutchPointsApp) October 26, 2022

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Woj said Westbrook likely won’t participate in Wednesday’s game against the Denver Nuggets as he recovers from a hamstring injury.

He did confirm speculation that Westbrook will likely move to the bench soon unless his performance improves.

Woj then said that other teams in the league probably won’t even consider a trade until 20-30 games down the line.

Meanwhile, teams like the Utah Jazz and the Indiana Pacers, who talked a lot with the Lakers about Westbrook over the summer, haven’t even heard from Los Angeles recently.

All of this suggests the Lakers are still tied to Westbrook, at least for the foreseeable future.

Why move to Westbrook?

Even the staunchest Westbrook fan will admit that 2022-23 hasn’t started well.

Therefore, almost everyone agrees that a move for him could be the right one.

But other teams won’t be eager to take on his contract until the season unfolds further.

The Lakers need other teams and front offices to despair of losses and be willing to accept Westbrook’s contract.

Until then, the Lakers will have to make the best of a bad situation.

What comes next for Westbrook and the team?

Will he improve his game and enhance his shooting skills or will he continue to splurge on good looks and only hurt the team?