Russell Westbrook intends to exercise his $47.1 million USD option to return to the Los Angeles Lakers for the 2022–23 season, according to top NBA source Adrian Wojnarowski and other reports. Westbrook, who is 33 years old, is beginning the last year of a $206 million five-year deal. The paperwork is anticipated to be sent by his agent Thad Foucher on Tuesday, and Westbrook has until Wednesday to make a choice.
Despite having played for four different teams over the last four seasons—the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and now the Los Angeles Lakers—Westbrook appears to be prepared to settle down for another season. With the Lakers ending 33-49 last year, their injury-plagued season left much to be desired.
The Lakers will be managed by new head coach Darvin Ham during the next NBA season. Ham is a former player who most recently assisted in leading the Milwaukee Bucks to their second NBA championship during the 2020–2021 season. In 78 games last year, Westbrook averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists thanks to a largely healthy season.