Russell Westbrook had a good season for the Denver Nuggets this season. He averaged 13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Westbrook proved this season that he was a valuable member of the Nuggets rotation, helping the Nuggets reach the second round of the playoffs. They pushed the Oklahoma City Thunder to the brink but ended up losing their second-round series against the Nuggets in seven games.
Lakers Should Consider Russell Westbrook Reunion in the Offseason
Since then, there have been rumblings that Westbrook would prefer a change of scenery this summer. The Lakers could swoop in and trade for Westbrook or sign him outright if he declines his player option to help bolster their bench.
Westbrook has a player option for the upcoming 2025-2026 season for $3,468,960. The former MVP could accept the option and request a trade if he wants to ensure he makes the money he is due. Or he could decline the option and hit the market as a free agent. It remains to be seen what Westbrook's decision will be this summer, but if he prefers a change, then the Lakers could show interest.
Westbrook would be a low-risk, high-reward option for the Los Angeles Lakers. Things did not exactly work out during Westbrook's first tenure with the Lakers organization. He was a part of a three-team trade in 2023 that sent him to the Utah Jazz. He eventually opted out and signed with the Los Angeles Clippers. However, with time, Westbrook has seemed to embrace his new role off the bench and sometimes being plugged into the starting lineup. If he has the right attitude, he could end up reconciling with his hometown Lakers.
This will be an active offseason for the Lakers. A potential Westbrook reunion could be one of many dominoes to fall into place for the organization. Westbrook's current salary via his player option makes him an attractive potential pickup for the Lakeshow. We will see how things shake out this summer.