Russell Westbrook opts with the LA Lakers

Russell Westbrook has decided to stay with the LA Lakers next season. The 33-year-old point guard enters the final season of his 5-year contract he signed with his former team the Oklahoma Thunder.

Westbrook opts-in to play for $47.1 million throughout the 2022/23 NBA season which will be his last year before becoming a free agent. He has done several stints between his time in Oklahoma and California as he was first traded to the Houston Rockets in 2019 and then to the Washington Wizards the following season.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ0n-pCHE9A

Back when he was part of the Thunder, his strive for greatness was unparalleled and he cemented himself as one of the greatest to ever don an Oklahoma jersey. Westbrook was a fan favorite whilst playing for the Thunder and it came with a huge shock when the team announced that they would be trading their star player. After losing Kevin Durant to the Warriors in 2016, no one expected the team based in the West to trade the other player that had given so much for the team.

Even at the age of 33, he remains one of the deadliest offensive players due to his intense playing style. His remarkable endurance will give him several extra opportunities in the upcoming years to get a shot at the NBA Championship. However, bearing in mind the previous season, we may see Westbrook seeking the trophy with another squad.