Los Angeles Lakers star Russell Westbrook has exercised his $47.1 million option for the 2022-23 season to return to the franchise, sources told ESPN.
Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star and the 2017 NBA MVP, is entering the final season of his five-year, $206 million contract. He had a Wednesday deadline on his option.
The Lakers are counting on Westbrook to have a comeback season under new coach Darvin Ham. Westbrook has told ESPN in recent weeks that he is enthusiastic about getting to know Ham.
After 11 seasons in Oklahoma City, Westbrook completed his fourth season for a fourth team a year ago — including stops with Houston and Washington. Westbrook, who averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists last season, played only 21 games with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, largely because of injuries. The Lakers were 11-10 in those games and finished the season out of the playoffs with a 33-49 record.