Lakers won't use first round pick to facilitate Russell Westbrook trade after disappointing season: report

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The Los Angeles Lakers failed to qualify for the play-in tournament this year despite boasting a star-studded team led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis.

The Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook in the offseason, but he failed to carry the team on his shoulders while injuries plagued most of the stars, which led them to miss the postseason completely. 

Westbrook averaged 18.5 points per game, the lowest total for him since his second season in the NBA. He also averaged just 7.1 assists per game. 

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) tries to drive on Sacramento Kings guard Davion Mitchell, left, in the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Sacramento, Calif., Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022. (AP Photo/José Luis Villegas)

After the season, Westbrook called his relationship with since-fired coach Frank Vogel "unfortunate."

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"I’m not sure what his issue was with me, or I’m not sure why. But I can’t really give you an answer why we never really connected," Westbrook told reporters. "Maybe that's something that he has to answer, but … from the get-go, was feeling like I was having to like try and prove myself to him, and my capabilities and what I’ve been able to do for this game. It’s unfortunate, but it’s … out of my hands."

Following the disappointing season, it's still unclear what the Lakers plan to do with Westbrook, who could become a free agent if he doesn't pick up his $47.1 million player option next month. 

But the Athletic reported that teams aren't exactly rushing to help get the Lakers out of the massive contract, especially considering how much of a disaster last season was