There are more and more rumblings that the Los Angeles Lakers might bring Russell Westbrook back for the 2022-23 season even after the disastrous 2021-22 campaign. Westbrook is set to make over $47 million next season assuming he picks up his player option, making a trade rather difficult given his declining play.

To get off Westbrook, the Lakers would have to part with a first-round pick (their next available to trade is 2027) based on the demands of rival teams. However, Los Angeles still doesn't want to do that after having similar feelings ahead of the trade deadline, per The Athletic's Jovan Buha:

As of now, they have no intention of using a first-round pick to facilitate a Westbrook trade, according to league sources.

And it’s not merely a bluff or tactic to try to regain leverage in trade talks. That may be an ancillary motive, sure, but per league sources, there is a sentiment among some within the franchise that the right coach and a better supporting cast could smooth over Westbrook’s awkward fit with James and Davis.

Article Continues Below
More Los Angeles Lakers News
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) looks on before a game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena.
Lakers’ Luka Doncic gets 100% real on his passion for basketballJoey Mistretta ·
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) celebrates with Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) during the fourth quarter.
Lakers’ LeBron James will love Luka Doncic’s Mind the Game moveJosh Davis ·
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts after a three point shot against the Indiana Pacers in the first quarter during game five of the eastern conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Bill Simmons drops Lakers conspiracy theory to give Knicks fans hopeJulian Ojeda ¡
Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) and Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) leave a court after defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves 94-85 in game two of first round for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena.
LeBron James, Luka Doncic give Lakers their own unique 2-timeline issueAnthony Irwin ¡
Feb 28, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) defends LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) during the fourth quarter at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images
NBA rumors: LeBron James, James Harden potential free agency departures unlikelyZachary Draves ¡
timberwolves, Nickeil Alexander-Walker
1 player Minnesota Timberwolves must trade in 2025 offseasonGarrett Kerman ¡

It was recently reported that the Lakers have asked their head coaching candidates about how they would incorporate Westbrook. Phil Jackson, who's advising Jeanie Buss, is apparently a fan of Westbrook and thinks L.A. can get more out of him. Magic Johnson put it on the record that he thinks the Lakers could possibly make it work with Westbrook if they hire the right coach. Magic is also advising Buss.

All of this points to the strong possibility of Westbrook returning, though maybe this is all just a leverage play. L.A. could also just wind up buying him out or waiving and stretching him, but those don't seem to be the preferred routes at the moment. Perhaps things change when the offseason action really picks up or as we get much closer to next season.