Things are a bit awkward within the Los Angeles Lakers organization right now.
The team just fired its head coach, Frank Vogel, after a disappointing 33-49 season that landed them at 11th place in the West.
And there are more changes coming.
In fact, nearly every player aside from LeBron James and Anthony Davis could be on the trading block in the months ahead.
One of the stars who has an uncertain future with the Lakers is Russell Westbrook.
Russell Westbrook on his player option "I'll make a decision on that, that's why it's called an option"
— Trevor Lane (@Trevor_Lane) April 11, 2022
When asked by the media about taking his player option with the team next season, Westbrook was a bit vague about his plans.
“I’ll make a decision on that, that’s why it’s called an option,” he said.
It sounds like Westbrook isn’t sure if he wants to stick around in LA or not.
Westbrook Heads East
The concept of getting rid of Westbrook in the offseason isn’t a new one.
For months now, people have been speculating that he could be sent to another team during the summer.
However, it remains to be seen which team is willing to take on Westbrook’s enormous contract.
Westbrook has a player option with the Lakers for next year, which means he gets to decide if he wants to re-sign with the team or become a free agent.
Most analysts assumed Westbrook would re-sign with LA, especially because the market wouldn’t be too kind to him.
However, his latest comment makes it seem like he really is toying with the idea of parting ways with the team.
There is a strong chance that Westbrook doesn’t come back to the Lakers next season.
However, there is also the possibility that no other team is willing to take him and he remains in LA.
That could lead to an uneasy, uncomfortable season.
NEXT: Lakers Shared A Bizarre Tweet After Clumsy Frank Vogel Firing