To say that Russell Westbrook failed to live up to the expectations many had on him when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers last summer would be a huge understatement. So much so, that there has now been a lot of talk about LA parting ways with the former league MVP after just one season with the team.

Lakers legend Magic Johnson has now chimed in on these whispers. The Hall of Fame point guard dropped a truth bomb on LA and whatever hope they have in trying to move Russ. According to Johnson, Westbrook's massive contract for next season is going to serve as a major stumbling block for the Lakers in their hopes of getting some real value back in a potential Russ trade:

“He’s on a one-year, $47 million (contract). Even if you offer him (in a trade), what are you, realistically, going to get back?” Johnson said, via David Aldridge of The Athletic. “I told them this too — you’re going to get some contracts you probably don’t want, and they’re going to go (chronologically) past his contract. You’ve really got to think about that. Are those players you’re going to get back, are they going to really help you?”

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In short, Magic Johnson is suggesting that it would be in the best interest of the Lakers to keep Westbrook on board. Magic believes that there is still hope for Russ to resurrect his career with the Lakers this coming season. However, Johnson also knows that it's not going to be easy. The Lakers will need to iron things out with Westbrook to try and repair what has become a damaged relationship. After all, they actually don't have much choice.