Russell Westbrook has decided to revoke his player option with the Los Angeles Lakers for the upcoming season, according to media reports. That brings him to a total of $47.1 million in 2022/23.
First Adrian Wojnarowski (ESPN:) broke the news, multiple other NBA reporters have now confirmed the news.
According to Vo, Westbrook’s agent, Thad Foucher, plans to file the necessary documents on Tuesday. Wednesday is the deadline for the 33-year-old to decide on his player option.
It’s no surprise that Westbrook is using his option. The point guard had a disappointing first season in Los Angeles alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis. In the open market, he would probably have to take a huge pay cut.
By voiding the player option, however, he is guaranteed $47.1 million for the upcoming season, and Westbrook will then become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2023. Originally signed to a five-year, $206 million deal in Oklahoma City, he ended up with the Lakers last year after trades with the Rockets and Wizards.
He averaged 18.5 points (worst since 2009-10), 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists in the Purple and Gold, but he also committed 3.8 turnovers per game and shot just 44, 4 percent from the field and a poor 29.8 percent from the field. line three. Los Angeles ultimately missed the postseason due to additional injuries to stars.
New Lakers head coach Darwin Hamm appears to be hoping for a bounce-back season for his guard. Meanwhile, trade rumors about the point guard have been circulating again and again in recent weeks. Westbrook’s future with the Lakers is not yet secured despite the option being exercised.