Russell Westbrook will not be back with Lakers next season?

Russell Westbrook’s time with the Los Angeles Lakers has not gone well, and his tenure with the team is expected to be brief.

Veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein wrote about the Lakers in his latest column. Stein quoted a source who said the Lakers bringing back Westbrook next season seems “impossible” based on how things have transpired.

It’s ‘impossible’ that Russell Westbrook returns to LA next season, per @TheSteinLine

“One league source described the idea of bringing him back next season as ‘impossible’ based on current tension levels.”

(Via https://t.co/OoQsQy2wPt) pic.twitter.com/Dwk7JvJix3

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 5, 2022

Stein also reports that Westbrook has shown “defiance” regarding his changed role.

Westbrook’s reaction to his changed role is not at all surprising. He is a former NBA MVP and used to getting big minutes and being the focal point of a team, not a guy removed from the floor during crunch time.

It’s no coincidence that Westbrook might have to find a fourth team in four years. Passionate, ball-dominant, driven guards like him tend to have difficulty in adjusting to lesser roles later in their careers.

Photo: Dec 28, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) in action during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports