Less than three days after the Los Angeles Lakers were eliminated from postseason contention; Marc Stein reports that the Charlotte Hornets are a “team to watch” in trading for Russell Westbrook during the upcoming offseason, according to League insiders.
Charlotte has been increasingly mentioned by league insiders as a team to watch on the Russell Westbrook trade front, per @TheSteinLine
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 7, 2022
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The former League MVP will receive more than $47 million for the 2022-23 season if he decides to pick up his player option with the Lakers. After the Lakers’ 121-110 loss to the Phoenix Suns, Westbrook expressed his interest in returning to the squad for the 22-23 season.
Westbrook’s insertion alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis didn’t pan out as most expected, with the Lakers failing to advance to the postseason. The all-time triple-doubles leader averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 boards, and 7.1 dimes on 44.4 percent shooting from the field.