Russell Westbrook will not play Thursday night against the Golden State Warriors, while ESPN added to the speculation that the Los Angeles Lakers are mulling waiving or trading the nine-time All-Star after one season.
Westbrook was added to the injury report Wednesday with right shoulder soreness and initially listed as questionable against the Warriors. He has played in 78 of 79 games this season.
Westbrook holds a $47 million player option for the 2022-23 season.
The Lakers also ruled out forwards LeBron James (left ankle) and Anthony Davis (right foot) on Thursday afternoon. Los Angeles (31-48) was eliminated from play-in consideration on Tuesday when it lost for the seventh straight game and 20th in its past 25 contests.
Earlier Thursday, The Stein Line reported that the Lakers haven’t ruled out straight out waiving Westbrook and spreading out the $47 million over the next three years. Marc Stein reports the team is also considering trading Westbrook.
Westbrook last played Tuesday night in the 121-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns and scored 28 points. After the game, Westbrook said the “plan” was to return to the Lakers next season.
“But nothing is promised. You kind of have to take it one day at a time each day. Like I’ve said all season long, you’ve got to play the cards you’re dealt,” Westbrook said.
Westbrook, 33, is averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists with 10 triple-doubles in 78 starts. However, the Lakers’ star-studded team didn’t mix well during the highly disappointing season. Further, the future of head coach Frank Vogel is uncertain despite there being one season remaining on his contract.
The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as a trade partner for Westbrook, per reports.
James is sitting out for the sixth time in the past eight games. His Thursday absence means he will have to play in both of the club’s final two games to have a chance at his second career scoring title.
James enters Thursday’s play at 30.3 points per game, just behind Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid (30.4).
Davis missed 18 straight games before returning for the last three contests, all Los Angeles defeats.
–Field Level Media
