Before the Lakers’ 2021-22 season was even over, there were reports that the team and Russell Westbrook had mutual interest in parting ways this offseason, indicating that the team would be looking for a trade partner in the 2021 offseason to take on Westbrook’s expiring contract (provided he opts into his $47 million player option).
Westbrook’s exit interview made a breakup feel even more inevitable, as he expressed annoyance at past comments made by LeBron James and Anthony Davis in reference to what his role would be for the team.
When @DanWoikeSports mentions that LeBron and AD said many times throughout the year, "Let Russ be Russ," Russell Westbrook immediately responds: "Yeah, but that wasn't true.