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Foucher released a statement to the network in which he strongly
suggested that Westbrook prefers not to play for the Lakers this
season. The enigmatic guard has one year and $47 million
remaining on his contract.
Foucher spoke candidly about the 33-year-old's status in the
latter part of his statement to ESPN, saying: "Now, with a
possibility of a fourth trade in four years, the marketplace is
telling the Lakers they must add additional value with Russell
in any trade scenario. And even then, such a trade may require
Russell to immediately move on from the new team via buyout.
"My belief is that this type of transaction only serves to
diminish Russell's value and his best option is to stay with the
Lakers, embrace the starting role and support that (new Lakers
coach) Darvin Ham publicly offered. Russell is a first-ballot
Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame player and will prove that
again before he is retired.
"Unfortunately, irreconcilable differences exist as to his best
pathway forward, and we are no longer working together. I wish
Russell and his family the very best."
Westbrook, a nine-time All-Star, averaged 18.5 points, 7.4
rebounds and 7.1 assists for Los Angeles last season in his
first year with the team. He also has played for the Houston
Rockets and Washington Wizards in recent seasons after playing
his first 11 years with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
--Field Level Media
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