By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Russell Westbrook is planning to exercise his $47.1 million option for the 2022-2023 season to return to the franchise, according to ESPN.
The eight-time All-Star and the 2017 NBA MVP is entering the fight and final year of his $206 million contract and the Lakers are counting on Westbrook to have a comeback season under the new head coach Darvin Ham.
Westbrook played 78 games last season with 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists on average. However, he logged only 21 games together with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, largely because of injuries. The Lakers were 11-10 in those games and finished the season out of the playoffs with a 33-49 record.