Lakers Rumors: Westbrook Returning Next Season 'Impossible' Amid Internal Tensions – Report

It is unlikely that the Los Angeles Lakers will bring back Russell Westbrook for another season amid the tension levels within the team, an NBA insider has claimed.

The 2017 NBA Most Valuable Player has not fit with the Lakers and has been unable to make it work next to LeBron James and Anthony Davis more than 60 games into the season. Recent reports claimed both the Lakers and Westbrook are interested in parting ways in the summer.

NBA insider Marc Stein appeared to support those claims as he said in his newsletter, citing an unnamed league source, that it seems "impossible" L.A. will keep Westbrook beyond the current campaign.

Stein claimed that this was in large part due to Westbrook clashing with coaches and teammates after they attempted to broach changes in the guard's role or approach.

"For all the obvious complexities involved in trying to move Westbrook when he's owed a whopping $47 million next season at age 34, one league source described the idea of bringing him back next season as 'impossible' based on current tension levels," Stein wrote.

Lakers coach Frank Vogel recently admitted that the Lakers have held internal discussions over the possibility of moving Westbrook to the bench, Lakers Nation reported. However, Vogel then clarified they "are not there, so I have nothing to add to that."

Some scenarios could see the Lakers buy out Westbrook or waive him. There is also the possibility that the botched trade involving the Houston Rockets' John Wall could be on the table this summer in a deal that may even involve the likes of Eric Gordon or Christian Wood.

Waiving and stretching Westbrook is plausible, although the two-time scoring champion is unlikely to agree to a discount. The Lakers would end up with $15.7 million in dead money for each of the next three seasons, something that would be a burden on team building for years to come.

For now, it appears the Westbrook trade has been a bust. The Lakers are struggling but could still make the NBA playoffs.

But as far as going deep into the postseason wars and possibly making it to the NBA Finals, the Lakers' chances are not looking good.

Other players who are on one-year deals may also leave Hollywood. Vogel is a candidate for departure as well unless he somehow finds a way to turn the Lakers' fortunes around this NBA season.