Other than hiring the right head coach, the first item of business for the Los Angeles Lakers this offseason is trying to trade Russell Westbrook.
Doing so presents a challenge, not only because of his outsized contract, which will pay him $47 million next season, but also because of who he is as a player.
Westbrook has always been an impetuous character whose decision-making has always been questionable and whose perimeter shooting and defense have always been poor.
But he has historically been a lock to make the All-Star team, an honor he has accomplished nine times.
However, he wasn’t in Cleveland this year for the NBA’s annual midseason classic, and it was due to his inconsistent play throughout the season.
Although Westbrook closed the season in strong fashion, one has to wonder if rival executives still see him as a good player.