Lakers News: Columnist Shuts Down a Russell Westbrook-Frank Vogel Reunion in Phoenix

His return to the Clippers remains a question as well.

It's no secret that the relationship between Russell Westbrook and the Los Angeles Lakers ended rocky. It was never a good fit between the two parties and both sides were happy once it was over. Westbrook went on to have a productive rest of the season with the Los Angeles Clippers while the Lakers reached the Western Conference Finals with their new look team.

Westbrook is now a free agent and will have his pick of where to go next season. The Clippers remain a good option for the veteran guard as he thrived during his time there and was a big reason as to why the team was competitive while their stars were out with injuries. But Los Angeles is interested in another point guard, old friend Chris Paul. Now, the Clippers could sign both to contracts but that could prove tricky. The Clippers don't have much money to offer Westbrook in free agency but they could force him to stay with the team if he really wanted to stay in Los Angeles.

Wherever Westbrook goes, we know that you can cross of both the Lakers and Phoenix Suns as landing spots. Phoenix recently hired former Lakers head coach, Frank Vogel to be their leading man and the two men didn't get along during their time in LA. Clippers insider Law Murray for Bleacher Report had this to sat about the outlook of the teams free agency plans:

"Trading for Paul while Westbrook is still available would be a way for the front office to get the player it wants in place while forcing Westbrook to potentially take the same deal, but for undoubtedly a different role. That could push Westbrook to pursue other teams, but it is unclear who the Clippers would be bidding against for his services. (Chicago? Miami? Portland? We know the Lakers and Suns with Frank Vogel aren’t on that list.)"

Per Bleacher Report

Westbrook would certainly love to be back with the Clippers after his time there. After all, he is from LA and seemed to enjoy playing basketball once again upon joining the team. 

Nobody knows what the future holds for Westbrook but he certainly is hoping that Paul joins the Lakers instead of Clippers. It would be more of a lock for him to return to the team and it'll be fascinating to watch all play out. 

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