The Los Angeles Lakers are currently disinclined to tie up their future salary cap via a waive-and-stretch provision on Russell Westbrook. Westbrook's $47 million for 22-23 would be on the books over three seasons at a little over $15 million annually.

At the deadline, the Lakers were similarly reluctant to attach their 2027 first round pick to incentivize a trade of Westbrook.

On Westbrook's side, sources close to him expressed pessimism that he would be interested in considering a buyout of the final season of his contract. Westbrook is wary of the stigma that comes with accepting a buyout, according to one source. Westbrook also believes he can still contribute to a team at a high level.

With it clear both the Lakers and Westbrook would benefit from a separation, but a lack of appetite for any of the measures that would potentially execute one, how the sides move forward is perhaps the NBA's biggest offseason question.