Westbrook splits with longtime agent over 'differences' about future

Los Angeles Lakers point guard Russell Westbrook and agent Thad Foucher have separated from their partnership, Foucher told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski on Friday.

"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," Foucher said.

Foucher expressed concern about his client's future with the Lakers as the franchise has reportedly discussed potential trades with the Brooklyn Nets over Kyrie Irving.

"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. ... Such a trade may require Russell to immediately move on from the new team via buyout," Foucher said.

"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 Darvin Ham publicly offered. Russell is a first-ballot Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame player and will prove that again before he is retired."

The former MVP has never requested a trade from the Lakers, sources told the Los Angeles Times' Dan Woike. He averaged 18.5 points, 7.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and a steal in 78 games for the Lakers last season.

Westbrook is entering the final year of a five-year, $206-million max contract. If he stays with the Lakers, it would be the first time he plays with the same team for consecutive seasons since his tenure with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook had one-season stints with both the Houston Rockets and Washington Wizards.

Foucher has represented Westbrook since he left UCLA after his sophomore season in 2008. He was the No. 4 pick in the draft that year to the Seattle SuperSonics, who became the Thunder.