This could be Russell Westbrook's status before training camp

Russell Westbrook has been the focal point for Lakers trades since the start of the offseason. The Purple and Gold tried to send him to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Kyrie Irving, but that didn’t go through. Now they are trying to send him for other players that can improve the team. However, so far, there hasn’t been any interest from other teams.

According to NBA insider Jovan Buha, the Lakers might send him away before training camp. This move has been trending in recent seasons for expensive ex-All-Star veterans that are on the brink of being traded. Last season, the Thunder opted to send away Al Horford. Eventually, Oklahoma City would trade him to the Celtics.

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Sending Russell away might be the best decision for the Lakers. One of the reasons why the team might not want the former MVP with the rest of the roster, is because of the beef he has with the newly traded Patrick Beverley. Both players have been at war with each other for almost nine years.

Russell Westbrook wasn’t that bad last season. He ended up averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists. Those are good numbers, but the problem is that he couldn’t put the team on his shoulders when LeBron and Davis were out with injuries. The expectation for Westbrook was more than what he delivered.

What will Russell Westbrook do? 

Russell Westbrook’s relationship with the Lakers is already broken. There’s no way they can continue together in the upcoming season. The Lakers should trade him before the start of the season, not only because it could help the team, but because his value might go down after the season starts.