The Los Angeles Lakers flipped a switch last season when the team traded Russell Westbrook and was able to rebuild the roster. Meanwhile, Westbrook was bought out and eventually signed with the Los Angeles Clippers to lose in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.
Westbrook is one of the most interesting free agents this offseason as he still seemingly thinks he is worth a big payday but that is not his standing throughout the league. And while he definitely won’t be returning to the Lakers ever in his career, he actually could be the key to the Lakers being true contenders.