The Los Angeles Lakers and Russell Westbrook were always doomed to fail from the start. Putting together Anthony Davis, LeBron James, and Westbrook never made basketball sense. All the opposing defense needed to do was pack the middle of the paint and dare the trio to shoot. Something the Lakers were frustratingly reminded of anytime the playoffs approached.
With this in mind, it doesn't come as a surprise that there isn't much love lost between the two sides.
Since leaving the Lakers, Westbrook has spent time with both the Clippers and Nuggets. Both landing spots again served as a reminder of just how frustrating the point guard can be. When the game matters most, the guard is either going to deliver an incredible play or do the one thing that gives the game away. For the Lakers, it was far too often the latter.
All adding up to the franchise having zero interest in a possible reunion as the veteran continues to search for a free agency landing spot. It is a bit of a surprise that Westbrook's experience hasn't offered a quicker solution, even with the complicated play style. The right veteran fit makes sense to bring in the intensity and experience off the bench.
The Sacramento Kings are favored to land Russell Westbrook, with a return to OKC or Denver considered unlikely, per @espn_macmahon
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 11, 2025
“League sources consider the Sacramento Kings the most likely destination for Westbrook, who will turn 37 during the first month of the season. If… pic.twitter.com/iaDjhcvLv9
Former Lakers Point Guard Russell Westbrook Headed to Perfect Landing Spot
A recent report by ESPN's Tim MacMahon has pointed out that potential returns to the Nuggets or Thunder are considered incredibly unlikely. Instead, the veteran is expected to land with the Sacramento Kings. It is hard to imagine a more perfect landing spot for a directionless franchise. The Kings have quickly fallen out of contention and appear content to collect veteran contracts without any obvious plan.
What exactly the Kings are attempting to build remains a complete mystery. There is no indication of a rebuild, and the franchise certainly isn't giving itself a chance to be a playoff contender. All adding up to Westbrook landing in a fitting spot that will be a must-watch team for all the wrong reasons. The Kings have a chance to be one of the most watchable groups based simply on the chaos.
For Westbrook, it would be yet another new franchise in what has turned into a journeyman career. It is difficult to remember the early days of domination with OKC and Kevin Durant. It seems the player Westbrook has become is but a shell of what he once was. A reminder of how quickly things can change for what was once one of the faces of the league.