The Lakers have missed the playoffs this season, and even with the Big Three lineups of LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Westbrook, the Lakers simply cannot show any competitive strength.
In addition to injuries, the biggest problem with this Lakers team is definitely that Westbrook can't adapt well to the team's tactical system. Talking about his relationship with head coach Frank Vogel, Westbrook said he didn't even know what was going on between the two:
"I'm not sure there's anything wrong with him or me, we've never really communicated," Mr. Wei said, "and from the beginning, I felt like I had to prove myself to him." ”
Not only was the issue with the head coach, But Westbrook also talked about his relationship with James and Davis in an interview. Over the past season, the league has had james and Davis voices supporting Westbrook to "be yourself," but Westbrook says that's not true:
"To be honest, that's not true."
"I just don't think I've ever been given a fair chance to be the one who can help this team."
Theoretically, a top-notch player could indeed relieve James and Davis of the pressure on the offensive end, but Westbrook's turnover rate and organizational instability, or even a style of play without much outside threat, are what keep the Big Three from succeeding.
On the question of the $47.1 million player option in the 2022-23 season, Westbrook said he "hasn't thought about it that far yet":
But in any case, Westbrook can't give up this player option, because Now it can be said that Westbrook, who is at the low point of his career, can no longer get a contract of this level. For the Lakers, whether the team will push for a deal involving Westbrook or reach a buyout contract are issues they should consider clearly.