After a short career with the Lakers Russell Westbrook has taken his talents to...still LA.
Written by: Riya Kalra
February 23, 2023
A three-way trade was made for the nine-time All-Star and triple-double record holder; the one and only Russell Westbrook. Originally, the Lakers traded Westbrook to the Jazz for D'Angelo Russell of the Timberwolves, with the Jazz trading Mike Conley to Minnesota. Westbrook was expected to also be traded to Utah, however, the Jazz reached a buyout deal with another LA team (hint- not the Lakers).
Westbrook excitedly announced on February 22, 2023, that he would be a Clipper, looking forward to staying home in LA.
After his season with the Lakers, it was clear things weren’t working out. In his 2022-23 season with Darvin Ham, Westbrook was averaging 15.9 PPG, 7.5 APG, and 6.2 RPG. While Westbrook has been improving gradually throughout the season, having an explosive game against the Grizzlies (29 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds), he simply isn’t reaching his true potential fast enough with the Lakers.
Westbrook played a tough season with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the spotlight being shined away from him- how will Westbrook handle playing differently with Paul George and Kawhi Leonard?
Clippers’ Head Coach, Tyronn Lue, strives for “Russ to be Russ,'' the most Westbrook can be. Lue believes that Westbrook will be able to provide the support and plays George and Leonard need; “I think Russ can help manufacture some of those easy baskets like John [Wall] did for us… So I'm excited for the challenge." Westbrook is more than excited to join the Clippers, feeling fortunate to join a team that wants him to be him, and reach his fullest potential. It has been said that George is looking forward to playing with Westbrook, much like they did in Oklahoma City.
It has not been said whether Westbrook will be starting for the Clippers or will be taking a seat on the bench again. But if the Clippers know anything, it should be that Russell Westbrook is meant to shine on the court. Westbrook may be burning out, but his intensity and fiery passion for the game will be sparked again if he has a team who knows how to handle him- and right now, the Clippers are going all in.
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