According to analyst, Russell Westbrook never accepted his role in Los Angeles

Russell Westbrook was signed last season with the Los Angeles Lakers as a result of a first-round playoff defeat in the 2020-21 season. As a former MVP, his signing created a lot of expectation.  However, the reality was the complete opposite. As injuries affected the team, especially  with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the team fell on Westbrook’s shoulders and he couldn’t deliver. In fact, he had the worst season of his career.

Now the Lakers are trying to move Russell Westbrook via trade. The most well known offer they have made so far is sending Russ to Brooklyn in exchange for Kyrie Irving. However, it seems the Nets are not interested in what the Lakers are offering. For now, Westbrook is still a Laker and on the receiving end of many critics. Now Undisputed host Shannon Sharpe used the time during the show to reiterate that the former MVP was a disaster for the team.

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The former NFL player commented “I believe if AD and LeBron had a third piece, or if Russ was willing to accept the role… Russ still sees himself as the number one who happened to be the third option… He’s unwilling to accept the role that would help the Lakers, I believe that would increase the Lakers’ chance or give them the best chance to contend for a title.” As he doesn’t think Westbrook is a top player in the league.

The Lakers are now an average or below average team. Projections are putting the team finishing badly or just a couple games better than last season. Still, this might not be enough to get into the playoffs. If they somehow manage to get into the postseason, they will probably end up losing in the first round.

Can Russell Westbrook return to his former self?

Russell Westbrook was one of the best players in the NBA during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. It was there that he won his MVP award. However, he hasn’t been able to lead a team to the promised land. Still, he is able to return to 22.8 points, 8.4 assists and 7.4 rebound player, just as he has been during his career. Any team could benefit from having him.