Report: Westbrook to exercise $47.1M option

Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook plans to exercise his $47.1-million player option for the 2022-23 campaign, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Westbrook's agent, Thad Foucher, intends to file paperwork on his client's behalf Tuesday, adds Wojnarowski.

Westbrook, who shortly before the news broke posted a video of him singing along to Beyonce in a chipper mood, will now become an unrestricted free agent in 2023.

The 2017 MVP fell well short of expectations in his debut Lakers campaign last season, averaging 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists in 78 contests. His 18.5 points per game in 2021-22 marked his lowest scoring output since his sophomore campaign.

Westbrook wasn't able to build much chemistry with co-stars LeBron James and Anthony Davis as the Lakers' Big Three only played 22 games together. Los Angeles finished 33-49 and failed to qualify for the play-in tournament.

In April, the eight-time All-Star opened up about his struggles to begin his Lakers career, insisting he "was never given a fair chance" to show how he could help the team. The 33-year-old, who clashed with former Lakers head coach Frank Vogel at times, is apparently enthusiastic about getting to know new bench boss Darvin Ham, according to Wojnarowski.

Westbrook owns career averages of 22.8 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.4 rebounds across 14 seasons split between the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Lakers.