To different groups, Westbrook represented a one-year drawback on the books as a method to erase long-term commitments to different gamers. Some scouts and executives around the league don’t view Westbrook as a useful player at this stage, especially with a nearly $50 million price tag. The Lakers might merely reduce bait and launch Westbrook, both utilizing the stretch provision to maneuver his wage cap hit over a handful of seasons or simply chunk the bullet and take care of it abruptly (a far much less possible state of affairs). -via Los Angeles Times / April 14, 2022