Hornets reported as 'team to watch' to land Russell Westbrook

Will Russell Westbrook remain with the Lakers next season? Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Hornets reported as 'team to watch' to land nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook

By Victor Barbosa | Last updated 4/7/22

It appears all but certain that future Hall of Famer LeBron James has taken the court for the final time this season, as the Los Angeles Lakers have been eliminated from playoff contention. Fellow future Hall of Famer Russell Westbrook is expected to be out against the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night, and the same goes for Anthony Davis.

Lakers say that LeBron James (Left ankle sprain), Anthony Davis (Right mid-foot sprain) and Russell Westbrook (Right shoulder soreness) are all OUT for tonight’s game vs. Golden State
— Brad Turner (@BA_Turner) April 7, 2022

The speculation is that Westbrook won't suit up for the final three contests, either.

While the triple-double machine's first three words in a Tuesday night response to the question of his possible return to the Lakers next season were "that's the plan," there will surely be rumors galore on if Westbrook will be on the move yet again this summer.

Since spending the first 11 seasons of his NBA career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook has been with three different teams over the last three years — the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards and Lakers. Despite playing with the likes of Kevin Durant and James Harden in OKC, Harden again in Houston, Bradley Beal in Washington and now "King James" and Anthony Davis in Los Angeles, the 33-year-old is still seeking his first NBA title.

Per Marc Stein, one and-up-coming Eastern Conference contender is a particular "team to watch," should Westbrook leave the Lakers this summer.

The Hornets are a "team to watch" to acquire Russell Westbrook, per @TheSteinLine pic.twitter.com/Sbeeselz7Y
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 7, 2022

The former UCLA star has averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists over 78 games this season.

With a failed season winding down for Los Angeles, the ball could be in Westbrook's court, as he has a $47 million option for next year. He could very well be playing for a fourth different team in four years during the 2022-2023 season.

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