3 Things the Lakers must do if Russell Westbrook stays on the roster

Apr 7, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) sits on the bench before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2022; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook (0) sits on the bench before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
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Los Angeles Lakers, Russell Westbrook
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3. The Lakers must be willing to cut Russell Westbrook if he doesn’t change

There is no way around it — the Lakers were a better team without Russell Westbrook a player who has had a new team each of the last four seasons. Westbrook now has a well-established problem of failing to work for teams anywhere that isn’t OKC.

Trading him hasn’t been easy for the Lakers this off-season leaving them with one clear answer. The team must have a sit down with Westbrook and communicate his game must be adjusted to the team around him and where he is at in his career.

If he is willing to take it in stride and attempt to change his game this Lakers team is going to be better than expected. If not, the team has two clear choices they have to utilize bench or cut Russell Westbrook.

It might be a messy breakup but it would be far better than allowing Westbrook to weigh down the Lakers for another season. It would be far better to hand the team back to LeBron and Davis hoping both can stay healthy and carry the team back to the playoffs once again.