Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook has opted in to the final year of his contract. Dreams of Kyrie Irving have gone by the wayside.
Just Monday, Lake Show fans considered Irving a possible option out West. While a re-pairing with former teammate LeBron James was always unlikely, Irving reportedly had interest in joining the Lakers if things didnβt work out in Brooklyn.
Yet, Kyrie will reportedly opt in to the final year of his Nets deal. That was the first blow to the LA fanbase. The second shoe just dropped, as Russell Westbrook will also opt in to the final season of his Lakers deal.
ESPN Sources: Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook is planning to exercise his $47.1 million option to return to the franchise for the 2022-2023 season.
β Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 28, 2022
Heβll make $47.1 million next year. Yikes.
Lakers fans not happy with latest Russell Westbrook news
Westbrook himself seems pretty thrilled about the news. I mean, who wouldnβt be happy about $47 million?
β Russell Westbrook (@russwest44) June 28, 2022
As for the fanbase, the same cannot be said. LA was holding out hope that a solution could force Westbrook and much of his money elsewhere. It was always an unrealistic proposition.
Technically, LA could still trade Westbrook elsewhere (even for Irving if necessary), but the more likely scenario is that their current Big-3 stays together one more year.
β LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) June 28, 2022
imagine thinking someone wouldn't opt in for $47.1 million lol
β nba paint (@nba_paint) June 28, 2022
LeBron hearing Kyrie opted in & he's stuck with Russ @SupremeDreams_1 pic.twitter.com/KQCZjQmCwS
β Knicks Memes (@KnicksMemes) June 27, 2022
I have statistical evidence to prove the Lakers would've been the 2nd seed if Russ made half the layups he missed. pic.twitter.com/YcMiTNuY7B
β πΎπ€πππ πππͺππ βΆπ (@OVOLakeShow) June 26, 2022
LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook only played 21 games together last season.
β CBS Sports (@CBSSports) June 28, 2022
Lakers went 11-10 (were outscored by 34 points in 393 minutes they played on court together) pic.twitter.com/dOTirXbFEl
Russell Westbrook opting into $47 million with the Lakers pic.twitter.com/wEtatJEa1G
β Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) June 28, 2022
https://twitter.com/BetMGM/status/1541801749949849600
Lakers fans when they see Russell Westbrook opted in: pic.twitter.com/EH7FZSAMEf
β Pickswise (@Pickswise) June 28, 2022
https://twitter.com/BetMGM/status/1541801865008005126
https://twitter.com/NBAMemes/status/1539740086199537665
Pelinka doing salary cap math pic.twitter.com/mAkamKX2Ao
β I Think You Should League Pass (@nbaleave) June 28, 2022
With Westbrook, Los Angeles doesnβt have the necessary spacing to compete in the modern NBA. Anthony Davis cannot stay healthy β let alone carry and NBA team β and the Lakers ask LeBron to do too much at this stage of his career.
Wash. Rinse. Repeat.
The current iteration of the Lakers is not a contender. And thereβs little they can do about it.