Before the 2021-2022 season of the National Basketball Association (NBA) begins, one of the strongest and most feared candidates was the Los Angeles Lakers. The trio of Russell Westbrook, Anthony Davis and LeBron James seemed destined for glory.
However, with a couple of games already into the season, that excitement faded. LeBron has struggled with injuries, Davis has not been entirely dominant and Westbrook has the downside that followed him his entire career: ineffectiveness and lack of shooting.
It is the latter player who could ruin the Lakers’ chances of winning in the Playoffs. Why? First, his style of play does not match LBJ’s, and his lack of shooting and irregularity will be a problem in the postseason, as in his entire career. Also, there is the issue of your salary.
Russell Westbrook could be the Lakers’ downfall
Westbrook will earn $ 44,211,146 this year. And the next, just over $ 47 million. Almost 100M in two years that he will have in LA, because the second is with a player option, and he will probably accept it. He signed this deal in Oklahoma City Thunder and has taken it with him to the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards and now here. Everywhere, it is the great factor by which he left.
This is not only an inconvenience for being the highest contract of a player in the franchise, the fourth highest in the league, and the second among the guards. In addition to that, where it does not show the level to deserve it, this stops the team from being able to sign reinforcements that bring them closer to the great goal. (Bolavip)