The latest breaking news from the Los Angeles Lakers isn’t the least bit shocking: Russell Westbrook is going to exercise his $47.1 million option and remain with the Lakers for the 2022-23 season.
Given the last season he had and the humungous financial obligation owed to him, few people thought he was going anywhere.
But now it’s official: Westbrook is coming back.
RUSS IS STAYING ON THE LAKERS 🚨 (per @wojespn) pic.twitter.com/JRYssu4CMu
— Overtime (@overtime) June 28, 2022
The news of his return was always going to be met with a lot of hot takes and big opinions.
Sure enough, people all over the web are using this as an opportunity to tear apart – or lift up – Westbrook and his skills.
The question remains: will Westbrook end next season as a hero or a villain?
Westbrook Remains
Some people are applauding him for taking such a big payday – while also ridiculing the Lakers for losing so much money on a player who underperformed last season.
russ securing his $47 mil from the lakers pic.twitter.com/6KiY7Bn9Gz
— buckets (@buckets) June 28, 2022
Meanwhile, others are lamenting another season of Westbrook and his problems.
Even with a lineup including Westbrook, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis, the Lakers still didn’t even make the playoffs last season.
Should fans of the team expect more of that?
The thought alone is causing a bit of stress among the loyal fanbase.
Lakers Fans realizing they're running it back with Russ and not Kyrie pic.twitter.com/aqZPugo6dz
— Hoops. (@HoopMixOnly) June 27, 2022
Meanwhile, others are pointing out that, yes, Westbrook is a very talented basketball player and he puts up stats rarely seen in the NBA.
Players to average 22+ PPG, 7+ RPG and 8+ APG in their career:
— Oscar Robertson
— Russell WestbrookRuss has done it in 7 less MPG than Robertson. pic.twitter.com/oyNvPyilin
— StatMuse (@statmuse) June 28, 2022
Opinions on Westbrook are mixed as he gets ready to start his second season in LA.
Westbrook is still healthy and seemingly ready to prove all the haters wrong.
In many ways, he could be more driven than he was when he first joined the team.
Will that fire in his belly lead to a new and improved Westbrook?
NEXT: NBA Insider Shares Russell Westbrook Contract Update